Every year undereducated Christians rant about liberals trying to remove Christ from Christmas. Others defend the use of the word.
Even Martha Stewart got in on the act, as she attempted to educate her readers in an article titled “Traditional Xmas Breads” in the December issue of her magazine. In describing the recipe for Christopsomo, a Greek bread with strips of dough across the top that form a cross, or “X”, she writes, “The Greek letter X, or chi, is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ and was used as an early abbreviation. Hence the word Xmas.”
So, Xmas was not some term dreamed up by solstice worshipping heathens or bottom line worshipping retail moguls. It’s a valid, shortened word with the same meaning as Christmas.
Instead of arguing about words, we should all be thinking about the message of the season, “Peace on Earth. Good will to all.”
It’s really quite simple. Since Jesus was born on that cold morning, the world has had a path it could follow that would lead to peace.
But right now our country is involved in two wars and other skirmishes are occurring across the planet. Arguments can be made both for and against these conflicts.
And we are at war among ourselves as well. Racism, sexism, homophobia and class warfare keep us at odds with our family members and neighbors.
“Let there be peace on earth. And let it begin with me,” a popular Christian song begins.
We have a decorative piece sitting on a mantle, a faux stone with the words “Peace on Earth” inscribed. A metal turtle is crawling up the stone, as if to indicate that peace might be slow in coming, but will get here nevertheless.
As Christmas approaches, remember the lonely soldier in the deserts of Iraq or the cold mountains of Afghanistan. Think about the homeless person who because of unfortunate circumstances, poor judgment, or mental illness has little hope. And consider the young people in our community who may be surrounded by family but feel unloved and lost.
We can spread tidings of comfort and joy by reaching out to these people and in doing so we will bring peace on earth a little closer.
Peace on earth, and merry Xmas to all.
3 comments:
Thanks Joe for clearing that up. I sometimes had a hard time with Xmas. Now I can resume, still believe, and not feel guilty.
As a minister I can confirm what you wrote in your article. In seminary, whenever I wanted to write the word Christ I would simply put an X as an abbreviaton. Not disrespectful in the least.
As a minister I can confirm what you wrote in your article. In seminary, whenever I wanted to write the word Christ I would simply put an X as an abbreviaton. Not disrespectful in the least.
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