The use of “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” is a controversial topic among Christians. Some view it as disrespectful or sacrilegious to remove “Christ” from Christmas. Others see it as an innocuous abbreviation. What does the Bible have to say about this issue?
The word “Christmas” comes from the Old English word Cristes maesse, meaning “Christ’s mass.” It refers to the celebration of Christ’s birth and the worship services held on that day. The name connects the holiday directly to Jesus Christ.
“Xmas,” on the other hand, is an abbreviation using the Greek letter chi, which is the first letter in the Greek spelling of Christ (Χριστός). So while the word “Christ” is missing, the “X” is meant to represent Christ and point to him.
The importance of Christ’s name
The Bible emphasizes the importance and power of Christ’s name. Philippians 2:9-11 says that God highly exalted Jesus and gave him “the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Calling on the name of Jesus has power to save according to Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13. These verses imply that we should be careful to honor Christ’s name.
In the Old Testament, God’s name was considered sacred and was not to be misused (Exodus 20:7). This shows that names have great significance in biblical thinking. Some extend this principle to titles for Jesus like “Christ” and “Lord.” If we believe Christ’s name deserves reverence, completely dropping it from Christmas could be seen as disrespectful.
The problem with abbreviation
Shortening words can sometimes lose their meaning. When we talk about the Bible and the gospel, clarity and accuracy are important. Paul warns against “corrupting the word of God” through deception or distortion (2 Corinthians 2:17, 4:2). He also emphasizes the need for people to understand the gospel message plainly (1 Corinthians 14:6-9).
While “Xmas” aims to retain the meaning of Christ’s name with the X, some argue the full word “Christmas” is much clearer. The meaning of “Xmas” would not be obvious to someone unfamiliar with the religious background of the holiday. An abbreviated form could contribute to biblical illiteracy and misunderstanding.
Is “Xmas” used with wrong motives?
Some people use “Xmas” not as an innocent abbreviation but intentionally to “take Christ out of Christmas.” It may be used alongside the promotion of secularism, consumerism, partying, or other behavior not honoring to Christ. In these cases, “Xmas” could be problematic.
However, we cannot judge motives. Someone may use “Xmas” without intending any disrespect at all. The Bible warns us not to judge others on debatable matters where God’s word does not give direct instructions (Romans 14:1-12).
Pagan origins of some Christmas traditions
Those who defend “Xmas” point out that many common Christmas traditions like Christmas trees, gift-giving, and even the winter date have pagan origins from seasonal solstice festivals. So the holiday was not thoroughly Christian to begin with. Removing “Christ” takes away one more Christian element.
However, Ephesians 5:15-16 encourages us to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity. Even if certain traditions have questionable roots, Christians can use them to glorify Christ. Participating in them to honor Christ while avoiding any appearance of evil.
Is Christmas too commercialized?
Using “Christmas” connects the holiday directly back to Jesus Christ. With rampant materialism and commercialization, this may be desirable. “Xmas” could contribute slightly to the marginalization of Christ in a season meant to celebrate his birth.
However, the consumerism associated with Christmas goes much deeper than abbreviations. Christians should remember that gifts, decorations, food, and festivities are not wrong in themselves, but can be used to build relationships and reflect Christ’s generosity. The Bible emphasizes the importance of our attitudes and motives more than outward appearances (Matthew 6:21, 15:10-20).
Conclusions from the Bible
The Bible does not directly address the use of “Xmas.” But it does emphasize the glory, power, and reverence due to Christ’s name. It also emphasizes clarity in communicating the gospel. So Christians could make reasonable arguments from the Bible for avoiding “Xmas” and using “Christmas” in full.
However, the Bible also calls us not to judge each other on debatable matters but extend grace and liberty in these areas (Romans 14:1-12). The word “Christmas” itself has roots in Catholic mass, which many Protestants find problematic.
So the Bible does not definitively resolve this issue either way. Christians can hold well-informed preferences for or against “Xmas.” But we should also grant liberty to those who in good conscience come to different conclusions. As long as they are showing true love for Christ, that is what matters most, according to 1 Corinthians 13.
Practical considerations
Using “Christmas” may hold advantages for gospel clarity, especially in cross-cultural settings. However, in majority Christian cultures where “Xmas” is common shorthand, refusing it could come across as legalistic. We must also consider how it affects Christian unity and fellowship.
Overall, the Bible does not prohibit abbreviated forms of “Christmas.” But in certain contexts and when used with wrong motives, forms like “Xmas” could contribute to erosion of gospel understanding. Christians seeking to glorify God should weigh these factors carefully when making decisions for their families and organizations.
The most important principle is to be fully convinced in our own minds with prayer and scriptural study (Romans 14:5). We should make decisions based on love for Christ, accuracy of communication, and conscience before God. And we must grant liberty to fellow believers who differ.
Clarifying “Xmas” and pagan myths
Some object to “Xmas” on the grounds that it comes from a pagan practice of chiseling Christ’s name off church signs and replacing it with pagan symbols. However, this story has been thoroughly debunked by historians. There is no evidence for it. This myth should not factor into the debate over “Xmas.”
The chi rho symbol combining the first two Greek letters in Christ’s name has been used by Christians for centuries. So using the Greek letter chi to represent Christ has valid Christian roots. Pagans did not substitute an X to remove Christ’s name from church signs.
This myth began circulating in the late 20th century but has no factual basis. Christians discussing “Xmas” should focus on actual biblical principles rather than repeating false claims and rumors with pagan undertones.
Being sensitive to both sides
Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to consider others more significant than ourselves and not just look to our own interests. On debatable matters like “Xmas,” this means we should be sensitive to those on both sides.
We should not flaunt practices that may unsettle the consciences of the weak in faith out of arrogance (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). But we also should not impose strict standards on others that go beyond God’s word.
As Romans 14:19 says, “Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Whether using “Christmas” or “Xmas,” we can still glorify Christ together.
Examples from church history
Looking at how prominent Christians through history have treated this issue can provide guidance. English Puritans in the 17th century sought to remove unbiblical Catholic elements from church worship as part of ongoing Reformation. Some called for banning “Christmas” altogether due to its association with pagan solstice festivals and Catholicism.
English Protestant leader Oliver Cromwell outlawed Christmas festivities for this reason during his rule in the 1650s. But these measures proved very unpopular. After the monarchy was restored, celebrating Christmas again became widespread practice.
So even among Christians seeking to strongly purge unbiblical influences, attempts to eliminate Christmas representations like “Xmas” proved impractical and divisive. This shows the complexities involved for Christians navigating cultural holiday practices.
Preserving Christ in Christmas
Another perspective emphasizes keeping celebrations focused on glorifying Jesus Christ. In 1959, religious leader Billy Graham responded to concerns about commercialism and secularism in Christmas. He encouraged Christians to put Christ back in Christmas, not through boycotts but by enthusiastically celebrating his birth.
Likewise, Christians troubled by abbreviated forms like “Xmas” might do better to fill the holiday with more Christ-focused joy and sharing of the gospel. This proactive emphasis on honoring Christ follows the spirit of Philippians 4:8.
Rather than policing abbreviations, we can actively promote reverence for Christ in deed and in truth. That is a more worthy goal.
Possible compromise solution
A compromise approach uses the form “Xmas” only in clearly secular contexts like stores and advertising. But in sacred spaces like churches and Bibles, “Christmas” is used in full to emphasize Christ.
This allows efficient abbreviation amid the commercialism of modern society while maintaining gospel clarity where spiritually meaningful. It recognizes legitimate uses of “Xmas” while upholding the holiness of Christ’s name in worship.
This balanced approach fits with Paul’s example of becoming “all things to all people” to reach them for the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22). Christians can adapt language without compromising principles.
Seeking unity and gospel witness
Romans 14 addresses disputes over religious practices not specifically commanded in Scripture. Paul concludes that both the “weak” with strict standards and the “strong” with relaxed freedoms are acceptable if rooted in dedication to the Lord.
Rather than judging, we are to accept one another because God has accepted us all through Christ (Romans 15:7). Our unity honors God. Differences over “Xmas” must not divide believers.
Also, 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 instructs us to avoid stumbling outsiders so that many might be saved. Arguing over “Christmas” versus “Xmas” can distract from our gospel witness to a lost world. We must keep first things first.
The takeaway is that either using “Christmas” or “Xmas” is allowed for Christians devoted to Christ. But be sensitive to those who feel differently to preserve fellowship and witness.
Conclusion
The Bible does not directly address abbreviations for “Christmas.” Christians can make reasonable arguments from principles in Scripture either for or against using “Xmas.” But we must extend grace on debatable matters of personal conscience.
The more important considerations are that Jesus Christ is being honored, the gospel is being spread, and believers are acting in love and unity. Kept in its proper place, this issue need not divide sincere followers of Christ.
Rather than attacking or defending “Xmas,” we should find creative ways to celebrate the birth and give the gift of our Savior. Christians devoted to magnifying Christ will likely come down on different sides of this issue. Yet we can still celebrate the season together with gospel-motivated love and sensitivity.
