The Oasis - December 4, 2024

      Xmas? This abbreviation for Christmas has been used for as long as I can remember, but in the early years of my ministry at both churches I served, I was asked about the appropriateness of it. At first I was caught off guard by the question, but luckily I came across the following short article which offers a clear explanation of its usage. I hope that you find it helpful. (The writer is unnamed)
     “Every year during Advent, we generally see a sign reading ‘Merry Xmas!’ Some Christians have been offended by the word Xmas. They say the letter X should not be substituted for Christ as though it were a modern insult to our Lord.
      However, it really isn’t. Xmas has ancient origins. The letter X in Greek - the original language of the New Testament- is the first letter of the word Xristos, which translated into English is the word Christ.
     So X is simply an abbreviation for the word Christ. And the letters mas are an abbreviation of the word mass. Therefore, Xmas really means Christ mass or Christ worship.”
   Please know that I am wishing each of you a blessing-filled Xmas brimming with hope, peace, joy and love! 

Rev. Pat Smith