What does the "mas" in Christmas mean? I know that the first part is "Christ" but what about the "mas" part?

Answer 1

As has been stated, the "mas" in Christmas means "Mass." The word "Christmas" is a contraction meaning "Christ's mass." It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038.

Answer 2

"Mass" is the name for the Roman Catholic service where Bread and Wine are used to commemorate (in some way, that's another topic) Jesus' death. It's called "Holy Communion", "the Eucharist" or "the Lord's Supper" by non-Roman Catholics.
The main "Holy Days" (now 'holidays') were Easter, 'Pentecost' and the day chosen to celebrate Christ's birth. At Easter and on this day it was compulsory to attend Mass. (Compulsory attendance at Pentecost 'came and went' over the years. In theory, you 'should' attend three times a year, minimum, on each of these three days. Regular believers attend weekly.)

Just as "Holy Days" became shortened to 'holidays', the day of the "Christ Mass" beacme shortened to 'Christmas'.

And - before you ask about opposition (normally by 'fundamentalists') to using "Xmas" - it is another old abbreviation for the 'Christ Mass'.

The Greek equivalent of the word 'Christ' looks like 'Xpistos' in English, if you can't get Greek letters (different alphabet). The 'X' is the Greek letter 'chi', the same as 'Ch' in English.
"Xmas", therefore, is a shorthand abbreviation - not "taking the Christ out of Christmas" - just as "Christmas" is an abbreviation!

(I know that was going to be your next ?!!)

Answer 3

The word Mass is a Latin word that means celebration. Catholic church services are called mass- where they celebrate God.

Answer 4

Mass. As in a church or prayer mass. Years ago, church went all day long until evening.

Answer 5

Actually the word "Mass" is from the Latin word "missa" meaning to dismiss.