Do you think it is disrespectful?

Question

Is it disrespectful to take the "Christ" out of Christmas when writing? Like XMas. I used to do it but for years now I haven't because I feel it is disrespectful to God. His Son, Jesus is the reason for the season...so why do people like to X Christ out? Just curious

Answer 1

G'day Free Soul,

Thank you for your question.

Xmas is often seen as taking the Christ out of Christmas. In fact, this is not the case. The word "Christ" and its compounds, including "Christmas", have been abbreviated for at least the past 1,000 years, long before the modern "Xmas" was commonly used. "Christ" was often written as "XP" or "Xt"; there are references in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as far back as 1021 AD. This X and P arose as the uppercase forms of the Greek letters χ and ρ), used in ancient abbreviations for Χριστος (Greek for "Christ") and are still widely seen in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Jesus Christ. In addition, Christians believe that Christ died on the cross for us so I think that you can use Merry Xmas with a clear conscience if you wish to.

I have attached sources for your reference.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Answer 2

Abbreviating the X is NOT taking the "Christ" out of Christmas.

Using "X" as an abbreviation for Christ goes as far back as 1021 AD, based on Greek characters.

Many manuscripts of the New Testament also use X to abbreviate Christ.

MERRY XMAS.

Answer 3

in fourth grade i wrote X-mas on a christmas card because i didn't have any room and a girl came up behind me and said that it was a sin. i thought that was dumb though because it's not like I was disrespecting God because my paper was small.
Also i heard that in Roman language or something X actually means Christ. I prefer to write Christmas instead of X-mas just because it reminds me of what the holiday is all about but i really don't think God takes it personally if you don't.

Answer 4

It's not disrespectful. That's a misconception. The X was used centuries ago to designate Christ, so it's just fine to say Xmas for Christmas.

See reference below for the official explanation:

Answer 5

Yes, I think it's disrespectful. The reason for the whole season is to remember that Christ was born to save us.

It's Christmas, not Xmas.

It's a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree.

It's Merry (or Happy) Christmas, not Happy Holidays.

And we should be singing those old Christmas carols, too.

kiwi

Answer 6

I agree with you. Our Saviors name is sacred so personally I do not write Christmas like that. Someone said they are just being lazy, but being lazy can be disrespectful. It's so easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas because of all the lights, decorations, etc. I'm so sick of people saying they are going to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. There would be no holiday if it wasn't for CHRISTmas. Oh well, MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

Answer 7

The greek word for Christ actually begins with the letter that looks like the english "x". It's just another abbreviation. We just like to prove how petty we are by being offended at things that matter very little.

Answer 8

jesus died on a cross, the X is a cross too, and a letter, so i think its ok.

i think its just easier to write, but it would be disrespectful for say.... a church to put a sign up and not write the whole thing out.

doesnt really matter to me. i still know what the reason for the holiday is.

Answer 9

God is not really too caught up in semantics, but it is shameful to use his image flippantly. Bobble head Jesus would be a good example.

BTW there is a funny Cartoon called Futurama where in the future they have a holiday called Xmas but have no idea what christmas is.

Answer 10

i wouldn't say so. I'm not too sure what Xmas stands for so for all I know that could be the more important part. that should be the new question instead.

well getting to the point, no its not disrespectful. You abbreviating the word. Nowadays, if you don't know what Xmas is, you probably don't know know Christmas is.