Does Xmas Offend You?

This time of year there is always controversy over the various aspects of Christmas. Discussions over many things such as the materialism and commercialization of the holiday, and the fact that some governments and municipalities would like the religious expressions of Christmas censored. One topic that invariably comes up among various Christian groups and people is the abbreviation of Christmas into Xmas. Many people believe that it is a literal crossing or deleting out of Christ from the holiday. Personally, this never really offended me or struck me as disrespectful to Jesus Christ, even when I was a child, or later a young adult who was questioning, doubting and at times mocking of religious things. For me, the most basic symbol of Christ and Christianity is the cross. I carried the notion that since an X is a tilted cross, it is easy to see how it came to represent Christ. I recalled that there was a time when many people weren't able to read or write very much if at all. If the occasion arose for them to sign an important document, and to express consent that they acknowledged and understood what the document meant, they would make an X. For me it was an official symbol, and therefore an important mark. It was not always the symbol of crossing out or mistakes, which of course, it does also stand for. Only when I became a born again Christian and heard other Christians voice concerns about it did I wonder if it was meant to insult or remove the Christ aspects of Christmas. It seems that my suspicions were correct and there is a Christian symbolic history in writing Xmas. Here are a few interesting and informative articles on the subject:
The Origin of "Xmas"
Merry Xmas blog entry

Chi Rho
The first two letters, Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), of the Greek word for Christ (Χριστύς).

Christmastime is here…

...And I love it! We have our lights up, our tree, our decorations and we are ready!


What’s your favourite Christmas movie? I love A Charlie Brown Christmas. On the other hand, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas used to scare the heck out of me when I was a child, and he still does. I am still uncomfortable watching it! I really like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, the old stop-action animated one where the characters are felt or clay. I like A Christmas Carol, too, but I can’t say which version I like best. I think that the movie The Nativity Story is one of my new favorites. Perhaps I am biased because of my faith, but I think it is a very well made, impeccably acted and visually compelling adaptation. I think anyone could appreciate it, even if they are not particularly religious. It’s directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who most recently directed the blockbuster Twilight. Check it out.

What’s your favorite Christmas music? I have so many favorites. Away In A Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by the Pretenders, 'Zat You Santa Claus by Buster Poindexter, Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie and Bing Crosby, Put The Lights on the Tree by Sufjan Stevens, Ave Maria by Joan Baez….and of course, Christmastime is Here from the Charlie Brown special.


I will miss a few of the holiday traditions we enjoyed in Central Florida. Visiting Donelly Park in Mt. Dora, and enjoying the magical wonderland of lights and eating dinner at Vincent’s! Plant Street in Winter Garden was also lovely! I will miss driving by the decorated, old southern mansions in Oakland, some tasteful and some kitschy, but all a delight to the eyes. I will miss my dear family and friends there! I will not miss my dog-tired feet from working the retail craziness at Bealls, but I will miss my old co-workers. Last year I was so busy with my job and having some extra children in the nest, it was a very good Christmas overall, but a little crazy and stressful, too. God bless them (((J & T))), every~one!

I am looking forward to new traditions here in the Keys. I hope to visit the lighted boat parade in Key West. I have never seen a boat parade before, let alone boats with lights and decorations. That should be fun. I’m also told that the lights in the prayer garden of San Pablo are beautiful; I can’t wait to see them. We are having a candle light service on Christmas Eve. I look forward to some down time with my family, and to reflect on the season in a quietly joyful way this year.

Blessings, Ya'll!