The traditionally Christian holiday is a celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem to Joseph and the Virgin Mary. The English term “Christmas” comes
from the combination of the words “mass” and “Christ
,” according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Why is Christmas shortened to Xmas?
Xmas (also X-mas) is a
common abbreviation of the word Christmas
. … The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Christós (Greek: Χριστός), which became Christ in English. The suffix -mas is from the Latin-derived Old English word for Mass.
What does the word Christmas literally mean?
The traditionally Christian holiday is a celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem to Joseph and the Virgin Mary. The English term “Christmas” comes
from the combination of the words “mass” and “Christ
,” according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
What does Christmas actually stand for?
Christmas is celebrated to
remember the birth of Jesus Christ
, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.
Where did the term Christmas come from?
Etymology. “Christmas” is a
shortened form of “Christ's mass”
. The word is recorded as Crīstesmæsse in 1038 and Cristes-messe in 1131.
What is the meaning of Christmas in Greek?
The Greek word for Christmas is
Christougena or Christougenna
, literally meaning “Christ's birth.” When Greeks say “Merry Christmas,” they say, “Kala Christougena.” The apparent g sound is pronounced like a y.
Is Xmas biblical?
Christmas Is Rooted in Paganism
In addition to Christmas having no Scriptural basis, it is important to note that the celebration of this holiday did not stem from Christian or Church-based doctrines. In fact, modern Christmas practices evolved directly from pagan traditions that predated the birth of Christ.
Is Xmas sacrilegious?
Sacrilegious, an adjective some have applied to the
Xmas
spelling, is easy to misspell. It looks as though it should be “sac-” plus the word religious, but it isn't. Instead, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, it comes from the Latin phrase sacrum legere: “to steal sacred things.”
Is it wrong to say Xmas?
Christmas is also sometimes known as Xmas. Some people don't think it's correct to call Christmas ‘Xmas' as that takes the ‘Christ' (Jesus) out of Christmas. (As Christmas comes from Christ-Mass, the Church service that celebrated the birth of Jesus.) But that
is not quite right
!
What is the difference between Xmas and Christmas?
The word “mas” is part of the word “Christmas”
. … “Xmas” is a common abbreviation of the word “Christmas”. The “-mas” part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for “Mass”, while the “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, translated as “Christ”.
What does God say about Christmas?
Jesus said in John 4:24
that true worshipers of God obey Him in spirit and in truth
—which means according to the truth of God's Word (John 17:17). Many know Christmas is pagan but insist on continuing to celebrate it. Some will answer that it means so much to the children and that it brings families together.
When was Jesus actually born?
The date of birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical reference, but most theologians assume a year of birth
between 6 and 4 BC
.
Why do we celebrate Jesus birth on December 25?
The Roman Christian historian
Sextus Julius Africanus dated Jesus' conception to
March 25 (the same date upon which he held that the world was created), which, after nine months in his mother's womb, would result in a December 25 birth.
How did December 25th become Christmas?
According to Christianity Today, it was around the year 273 that the church considered commandeering the existing pagan festival of winter solstice as fitting time to honor the son of God. … Western Christians officially began celebrating December 25
as the birth of Jesus in 336 AD
. So there you have it!
How long does Christmas last?
The
12 Days
of Christmas start on Christmas Day and last until the evening of the 5th January – also known as Twelfth Night.
Why is it called Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is an unofficial holiday. Folks that live in the southern hemisphere usually celebrate the season of giving during summer.
July is the peak month of their winter
and thus, the name.
