Christmas Symbols

Xmas

History

• We find in encylopedia.com "the formal Greek correspondent of x was chi... like ch in loch. As the initial of the name Christ, X has become a symbol for it, e.g., in Xmas"

• The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. In the 1500's, Xmas became poplular as a shortened form of the word Christmas. It was during this time that Europeans used the first letter in Christ's name (Xristos) to shorten the word Eventually, "Xmas" became an acceptable alternative to the whole word, Christmas.

Modern Christian Symbolism

• The X in Christmas stands for Christ.

Bible Verse

• (2 Timothy 2:19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

• Make an X ornament out of your favorite craft material. (fabric, tinfoil, homemade clay, etc)
• Look up the word Xmas in the dictionary and write it in your language/spelling notebook. Use the word Xmas in an article or advertisement.

Advent Calendar

• an "X"

Music

• Christ was Born on Christmas Day

Resources

• Encyclopedia.com
• All About Christmas
• Sayings and expressions that begin with the letter X
• Xmas: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

	Family Celebrations for Christmas by Ann Hibbard Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights : The Story of the Christmas Symbols by Edna Barth Keeping Christ in Christmas by Steve Russo Celebrating the Christian Year by Martha Zimmerman