Every Christmas the “outrage” grows on social media: “they” are trying to take Christ out of Christmas by saying “Xmas” or “Happy Holidays.”
Chill out, Hall-Monitors-for-Jesus.
Once we understand the history behind these two phrases, we can all take a deep breath, relax, and actually become totally fine with these two phrases.
WAR ON CHRISTMAS?
Over the last decade or so, many Christians have felt like there is a “War on Christmas.”
Xmas is not an attempt to take Christ out of Christmas (or, Christ’s Mass to be more precise).
Although, some people may be deliberate in their attempts, the statement by itself is not offensive.
The first letter in the Greek word for “Christ” is chi. In the Roman alphabet, chi is represented by the symbol X.
This means that Xians don’t have to be flustered by hearing or seeing, “Merry Xmas!”
”I’M OFFENDED BY HAPPY HOLIDAYS”
Talking heads in the media that get worked up about this second phrase are nuttier than a Snickers bar.
This statement may be an attempt at being “politically correct.” However, holiday literally means, “holy day.” Celebrating the birth of Jesus definitely makes it a holy day.
Thankfully, because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus; everyday can be a happy holy-day.
To the Christ Follower, Christmas shouldn’t be a one-day celebration, but rather, a lifestyle of celebrating the truth that Jesus is Immanuel – God with us.
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