The greek Chi explanation is ridiculous. Are we speaking greek here in the US?
Keep the Christ in Christmas! No need to abbreviate/ speak in tongues while speaking or writing his name. It is Christ not X or Chi. Anything other than that is at the least laziness.
As Christians, saying or writing x-mas sends a message to the anti-Christ crowd that it doesnt matter to us as well.
Gerry
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COMMENTARY LETTERS
‘X’ actually a symbol for Christ
Norma Brach, Reisterstown
This letter is in response to Charles Schutz’ letter (CR, Jan. 4) titled ‘X-mas’ is offensive.
During this past season of Advent a friend had given me a book of reflections, titled “The Little Blue Book, Advent and Christmas Seasons 2006-2007,” based upon the writings of Bishop Ken Untener, Diocese of Saginaw, Mich. In that I read “‘X-mas’ – It is sometimes thought that the abbreviation ‘X-mas’
is disrespectful. It takesChristoutofChristmas. “Actually, the ‘X’ is not an ‘X.’ It is a Greek letter which is pronounced ‘Ch’ (with a hard ‘C’), and was an ancient Christian symbol for Christ. “Evidence of this can be seen in the familiar and very old combination of two Greek letters – ‘X’ and ‘P’ (the ‘P’ is comparable to the English ‘R’). These are the first two Greek letters of the word ‘Christ’ and became a symbol for him.”
X-mas’ is not an offensive term
Meg Herring, Taneytown
Regarding the letter from Charles Schutz (CR, Jan. 4) titled “‘X-mas’ is offensive”: Apparently Mr. Schutz of Dundalk did not read his Nov. 23, 2006, Catholic Review, p. B18 very carefully. If he had, he would know that the ‘X’ is the Greek letter Chi and is the first letter of
Christ’s name in the Greek language, hence the origin of using the abbreviation ‘Xmas’ in place of Christmas. I get so weary each year of people saying that ‘X-mas’ takes Christ out of Christmas, when it is not so at all. I am surprised that you printed his letter without making an editorial reference to Carolyn Monette’s article from the Nov. 23 issue.
‘X’ keeps Christ in Christmas
Ida Kraft, Carney
In regard to Charles Schutz’ letter (CR, Jan. 4), it does not take the Christ out of Christmas. The ‘X’ is not an ‘X,’ but a Greek letter which is pronounced “Ch” (with a hard ‘C’) and was an ancient symbol for Christ. Proof of this can be seen in the very old
combination of two Greek letters, ‘X’ and ‘P’ – these are the first two Greek letters of the word ‘Christ’ and became a symbol for him.
Also, the greeting or wish of a Merry Christmas does not necessarily mean jolly or mindful. “Merry,” an English word means “blessed or peaceful” or inner joy rather than revelry.
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