True Meaning Behind Xmas

So we all know that Christmas is just around the corner.  Almost everyone is familiar with why Christmas is called what it is because we are acknowledging and remembering the birth of Christ.  But what about the term Xmas? Why is it the common abbreviation for such a momentous time of year? Is it taking out the "Christ" part of our holiday giving it a more secular-friendly name or is there more behind the "X?"

What I have learned through my time in college, particularly an art history course and from some online research, is that taking the Christ and any religious affiliation out of the word Christmas in the form of Xmas is actually a common misconception.  Believe it or not the "X" actually represents Christ's name in the Greek language with X being the letter "Chi." Christ in Greek is spelled: Χριστός (Khristós) which means "the anointed one".  Notice how His name begins with an "X."  You can also see "X's" used to represent Christ in other forms such as the Chi Rho, which are the first two letters of Christ in the Greek language.

I just wanted to share this little education with you in case you were ever wondering or thought that Xmas was more meaningless or offensive than informative or useful.  I personally like to call "Christmas" as is because I speak English and that is what is most meaningful to me, knowing that the full name of Christ be remembered on this upcoming special day of celebration and rememberance.

Merry Christmas!