This trend to take Christ out of Christmas is not a new one. I don't know why everyone is getting their reindeer fur up. My candy cane antlers have been aware of this for some time.
For as long as I can remember (and we won't go there), it was commonly accepted to abbreviate Christmas with XMAS. I hated that. No one could adequately explain that one to me. It was not a "CROSS"MAS it was an "X". To me X meant delete. I always made sure to write it out "long hand" and continue to embrace the true meaning. I ran across many type of X men and women in my life before it became a Marvel phenomena. Life is full of people who embrace different viewpoints. How boring it would be otherwise. Does it effect me. Not a bit. I just am more determined to grow my heart a size larger.
And that brings us to the best example of those who want to bring the political correctness to the Holiday table. Of course I am referring to the Grinch who attempted to steal Christmas. Now folks, that classic has been around since I was a teenager! (Again, not going there).
Did we forget the whole premise of that wonderful now digitally enhanced classic? The Grinch went a little further than all of those individuals out there currently trying to squelch the Christmas spirit. And yet, the Whoville residents lifted their hymns and their hearts up to heaven. No one and I repeat NO ONE can take that away.
Rather than get into debates or get angered over others' actions, I just smile and say a prayer that they, too, will find the Peace that I have found in my faith.
And it does not matter what faith you are. I will be privileged in sharing my Christmas dinner with my son-in-law who is Jewish and my daughter-in-law who is Muslim. We will also be Blessed to have their extended family join us. The day is about family and love and Peace and understanding and acceptance. I am truly Blessed.
It is Christmas eve and my app says one more day until Santa arrives. That means one more "Sleep and get up". I still believe in the magic of this season. I hope that you do, too.
God Bless you all. Merry Christmas and Peace to all during this wonderful season.
Thanks for your thoughtful--and sincere--post, Elaine. I especially agree that Christmas is a time for family and sharing. Surely we must pray and hope for peace on earth.
ReplyDeleteThen, let me tackle your challenge. The X in Greek is the letter chi ("kai") and was usually featured with rho ("row"). These are the first two Greek letters in the word Christ. What got lost was this understanding or connection.
I hope you and your family had a blessed Christmas. All good wishes. Tim