When I was younger I was told that writing down "X-mas" instead of Christmas was like taking the Christ out of Christmas. I just thought I'd share that. Now everytime I write it down I never write X-mas because I feel guilty if I do. Is that crazy?
No. X-Mas is the Greek-I think- way to refer to Christ. That's not an exact translation, but it is the gist of it. The X refers to the cross. There's nothing wrong with it at all, except Christmas looks better.
BUT if you think of it another way - whoever rights X-Mas is really adding the cross that Jesus died on in place of writing it all out (or so that's what I like to think in my little dream world :wink:
You are correct. I can't remember if it is Hebrew or Greek but X means Christ. So if you see ICXC it means Jesus Christ. So when you see X-mas it is the same as Christmas. On my cross that I wear it says on it ICXC.
Oh, that makes sense. Of course, this was all when I was like 13 years old, but since the season was coming around I thought I'd ask everyone their opinion.
I was told that too by many people when I was younger. I still feel guilty when I write it as well. Now, I won't feel bad!
I knew I had it written down somewhere. This is what the ICXC means. ICXC NIKA is an ancient Greek inscription meaning Jesus Christ Conquers. IC stands for Isous which means Jesus, and XC stands for Christos, or Christ. NIKA means to be victorious or to conquer. Just what does Jesus conquer? Death. Jesus is the first born among the dead, He was victorious over death, Hades could not contain Him. Therefore Jesus Conquered death, and through Him we can all become victorious over death. Sorry, I am a geek. I absolutely love researching church history and where the churches of today came from. That is where I learned the above.
I had heard that growing up too. Hw, my parents both told me there was nothing wrong with it. Last year, hw, I had a friend tell me that it was wrong and I should not be doing it. She was shocked by what I told her, but once she researched it felt much better. Great topic!
Don't apologize We learned something. I would not have thought to ask that question Jen.Thanks to both of you.
Since originally posting this I have done much thinking about this still. I have never had an issue with others writing "x-mas", but for some reason I still can not do it myself. Something in my conscious says "no no Jennie!". I don't know why. Maybe I've been doing it so long it's just a force of habit now.
There is something inside us that says DON'T FORGET CHRIST. When I was little it was explained that x wasss a shortcut. I feel more comfortable spelling it out.x-mas just looks wrong.
