I know. I heard it when I was growing up, too. "They're trying to take the Christ out of Christmas!"
Around Christmas each year there are always those who loudly decry the use of the abbreviation "Xmas" as some kind of an attack against Christ and Christianity. This concern has been elevated recently with the public debates about banning manger scenes from public places, substituting "Happy Holidays" for "Merry Christmas" and emphasizing Santa Claus over Baby Jesus. It is as if the term Xmas used anywhere in public is part of some diabolical grinchly plot to subvert Christmas.
You've heard the classic story about the little boy who noticed the huge red-and-green sign spray-painted on a department store: "Happy Xmas." And he wondered aloud about the X. Why was it X-mas? And finally, in a forlorn voice, he asked his dad: "Did they cross Christ out of Christmas, Daddy?" And the father had never thought of it that way before, but finally nodded. "Yes, Son, I guess they did."
Well it certainly does raise concern. But, I'm concerned that battles are being waged against windmills while far more serious issues and opportunities to exercise our faith are neglected, something Jesus spoke to in Matthew 23:23: You experts in the law get caught up in trivial religious issues and routine, neglecting the important matters of God's requirements - justice, mercy, and faithfulness. (My paraphrase)
I'd like to offer some help and a question. In the early church, where Greek was used, the symbolic letter "X" (called "chi") represented "Ch" the first letter of our precious word. It would then be followed by the Greek letter which would look to us like a "P" (called "rho.") Many may be familiar with an early church chi-rho monogram which looked like a large "X" with a large "P" in the middle.
It represented the first two letters of the Greek word Cristos and became the official battle standard of the emperor Constantine in the fourth century. It was commonly used as we would use "Mr." or "Mrs."
People under threat of government oppression would often meet on the street, and while greeting one another, one would draw an X in the dirt or a fish symbolizing their belief. None of their system of love and belief was missing. They knew what was in each other's hearts.
I hope that helps. Now, for my question: Have they taken Christ out of Christmas? Only, if we let 'em! Whether the word is "Xmas" or "Christmas," if the world doesn't know about the Savior so badly needed by all, then he is sadly missing from the word Christmas.
We need to put the Christ in Xmas. Let's share the message with words and actions. See how many times you can say "Merry Christmas," instead of "Happy Holidays," with conviction, and then convict someone by demonstrating the true spirit of the season.
Offer them the present of a wonderful friend, listener, and compassionate empathizer - a perfect, eternal Father and the Prince who truly can bring peace on earth and good will to all people.
Focus on the issues of faith and the priorities of this special time, and not the parties and presents. Help people know there was a baby in a manger who would one day "walk a mile in our moccasins," and understands our trials, because He has been down that path before. The Prince of Peace who knows our needs and can help, heal, and relieve our pain and worries.
Merry Christ-mas!
The Rev. Bill Baltz of Christ Presbyterian Church is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
