CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 15 Engaging Christian Spirituality E very year about this time I get an email from an angry Christian complaining about stores and businesses using the abbreviation "X-mas" or the phrase "Happy Holidays." Usually they are charging that the stores are trying to "take Christ out of Christmas" and they want me to join their cause to "remember the reason for the season." I get pretty tired of this silly argument. First of all, X-mas is actually a very biblical abbreviation. It is not x-ing out Christ as some claim. The X is actually the Greek letter Chi which coupled with the Greek letter Rho are the first two letters in Christos or Christ. Chi Rho is an ancient abbreviation for the name of Christ that traces back to the first century. As far as "Holiday" goes it has roots in a Middle English word combining "Holy" and "Days" that came about around the same time as the word "Christ's Mass." So, I think we need to back off the criticism a bit - we look a touch ignorant when we judge the world outside of the church for using language that the church created. Not to mention the fact that these stores serve people other than Christians and there are many Holy Days that occur in December. Besides, why do we fight against something so trivial and then show no significant change or difference in the By the Rev. Dan Alger way that we live our own lives" We want to put Christ in his rightful place at Christmas so we yell at the department stores that we are shopping in as we feed our materialism. We feel righteous as we shower our children with more toys that can collect dust in their toy box because we have proper vocabulary. Do we really think that Jesus is honored by us using correct language to describe Christmas so that we can live our lives with idolatry" Perhaps he is looking for something greater from us. Maybe we would be a better example to the world if we would stop fighting ignorant battles and start truly serving as Christ has commanded us to. Are you willing to leave the comfort of your home on Christmas Day to make sure that someone else is fed" Do you give with generosity at Christmas time so that others may share the joy you know" I don't just mean throw the token toy in the donation box outside of the toy store; I mean really give in such a way that might make a difference in someone's life. Just a warning - you might have to sacrifice something to allow someone else to experience the love of Christ. Are you willing" Will you live with this kind of significance Christians are known more for what we are against than what we are for. It sure would be great if we could change that. If we want to make a difference for God in the world let's stop trying to change what is painted on the window of a store and start allowing God to work through us to change hearts by truly living a life of love and joy. Reminding the world why we celebrate Christmas starts by celebrating Christmas properly ourselves- with a life that reflects the person and work of Christ in our thoughts, actions, and speech. Let's start there this year. You with me" CV By the way - Merry X-mas! Dan is the Pastor of The Church of the Apostles in Grays Creek www.tcota.org and can be reached at ecs@tcota.org. MERRY X-MAS HOLIDAYS

• Cover