Christmas or Xmas, which one should you use? There was a time when saying Merry Christmas was the default greeting during the holiday season. While some people use the term Xmas, others don’t even say that and resort to saying Happy Holidays. This makes me wonder: when using a term like Xmas or Happy Holidays, is there something sinister going on? At least with Happy Holidays, the reality might be a lot simpler. Not everyone celebrates Christmas (don’t look at me funny). I know that may be hard to believe, but there are other holidays that occur around Christmas such as Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and since we don’t know what holiday people are celebrating, Happy Holidays has become an all-inclusive term. Perhaps that might solve one issue for you (or maybe not), but what about the use of this term Xmas? Is it wrong for Christians to say Xmas, and are we being offensive to Jesus or denying our faith if we do? If you are going to have this position, then it makes sense to make sure you know what Xmas means. So, let’s put on our investigative hats and try to understand the history and meaning behind this term, Xmas. Hopefully, by the time we are finished, we can sort this out.
What Is the Origin of "Xmas"?
It is always a good practice to do your own research and not just automatically take things at face value. In fact, scripture tells us to test everything and hold on to the good (1 Thes. 5:21). When you look at the history of Xmas instead of Christmas, you will find initially there was nothing nefarious going on. In fact, it was quite the opposite. When you go back to the 16th century, the symbol X was a symbol for Christ. This term is rooted in the Greek, as the letter chi (X) is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ, which is Χριστός (Christos). Rather than writing out the whole word, to save space in those days, people would use abbreviations, and X became the abbreviation for Christ. For those who used this X, it was clear what it meant. It was not a replacement for Christ, but a recognition of Christ.
Why Do Some Christians Dislike "Xmas"?
The main reason some Christians dislike the term Xmas is they feel Christ is being removed from Christmas. Others feel it is disrespectful or secularizing, and they feel it is wrong for Christians to say Xmas. There may be a glimmer of truth in those feelings because, unfortunately, Christmas has been secularized. However, if you are familiar with its origin, then using Xmas is not part of the secularization. This term was used long before there was any secularization of Christmas in the manner we see today.
There is one thing to note. While there is a secularization of Christmas, the fact remains that Christmas is the time when secular radio stations play more songs about Jesus than at any other time of the year. Since many people like listening to the Christmas music stations, they get to hear about Jesus.
Is "Xmas" Actually Disrespectful to Christ?
The answer to this question really is that it depends. What matters is the context in which you are using the word. For those who are familiar with the historical usage and meaning of the term and use Xmas in that context, then it is not disrespectful to Christ. However, that is probably not the case for most people. Many people who use Xmas today have no recognition of what it actually means and in that regard it can be seen as disrespectful.
One thing that must be acknowledged is that over time, the use of the term Xmas in a broad sense has shifted away from its origins. While Christians and clergy used the term to refer to Christ, a shift away from that usage in the culture began in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, many use Xmas simply as a shorthand to abbreviate the word Christmas. For others, the use of the term is associated with the commercial aspects of Christmas and has no connection to Christ.
Can Christians Use "Xmas" without Guilt?
Let’s now consider the heart of this topic. Is it wrong for Christians to say Xmas? Can they use this term without guilt? If you have full knowledge of what the word means and you are using it in the proper context, then continue to use it. However, you must also recognize that many people may not be aware of the origins of this term. If you use it around them, they might even find it offensive. If that is the case, there is no point to prove, and it is better not to offend them, so use the word Christmas instead. However, that does not mean you are wrong for saying Xmas. You are free to say Xmas without guilt primarily because you know what it means. However, if your brother or sister finds it offensive, then consider their feelings first.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" (Phil. 2:3).
In one sense, getting caught up in Xmas or Christmas focuses on the wrong aspects of Christmas, anyway. For us as Christians, Christmas is not about terminology. It is about our savior. That is where the focus should be. I might even make the case that some use the term Christmas and they have no connection to Christ when they say it. This season is not about the use of a word; it is about understanding what it means.
How Can Christians Emphasize Christ in Christmas?
Since Christmas and Xmas are really about Christ, let me give you some practical ways to emphasize Christ in Christmas
Tell the story – One way for people to know what we are celebrating at Christmastime is by telling the story. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. Tell that story. Christmas is about a savior being born who would bring salvation to the world. Tell that story as well. Christmas is about a God who loved us so much that he became like us so he could redeem us back to the Father. Tell that story, too. When you keep telling the story, you keep reminding people of what we are celebrating and what Christmas is truly about.
Send Christ-centered greeting cards – During this time of year, people often send out greeting cards to friends and family. Many people are open to reading these cards so use it as an opportunity to emphasize the Christ in Christmas.
Let the X become an open door – Rather than fretting over the use of Xmas, and declaring it is wrong for Christians to say Xmas, why not use it as an opportunity to share the truth with others. If someone writes or uses that term, a very simple conversation starter could be, “ Hey, I’m curious. Why do you say Xmas instead of Christmas?” That one question or something similar could be the open door to telling them what the X actually means. Try it this Christmas season and see what happens.
Let your actions reflect Jesus – Since Christmas is all about giving, then why not let your life reflect the ultimate giver, Jesus. He is the one who gave his life, because he loves you. We can go a long way in influencing others if we show love the way Jesus did. Our actions will speak much louder than whether or not we say Xmas or Christmas.
The verdict
Is it wrong for Christians to say Xmas? My answer is no, as long as you understand what it means. However, there are probably many people out there who have no idea what the X stands for. This is our opportunity. Imagine if one little letter X could become the catalyst to educate people about the real meaning of Christmas. I invite you to think a little differently. Instead of seeing Xmas as a problem, see it as an opportunity. Don’t get angry, get active and use that X to share the truth and the love of Jesus with others. One final thing to say: I hope this year you have a wonderful Xmas season.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Tom Rickhuss
