Sometimes I get confused with the current abbreviations for phrases. I know a few: BFF (best friend forever); LOL (laugh out loud); BTW (by the way); e.g., (exempli gratia=for example); and, ASAP (as soon as possible; I’ve been using that one for a long time). I also have been made aware of several others that I don’t want to mention in this note. They are either vulgar, insensitive, or offensive. And then, there are host of others that I have to look up. (There’s a list on the internet.)
We’ve always used abbreviations. I imagine there were as many in the Franklin Roosevelt days as there are today; but most of them have fallen out of use. Some of the archaic ones include: CAA (Civil Aeronautics Administration); CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps); and the WPA (Works Progress Administration). Of course, some are still in use (e.g., TVA, the Tennessee Valley Administration, for which my grandfather worked from its inception until his retirement).
The Church has not been exempt from using abbreviations. I’m sure you have learned by now that I am interested in the origins of words and phrases. None are more important to me than the words, phrases, and abbreviations of the 2,000-year history of the Church. Consider, e.g., UMC (United Methodist Church); and WWJD (What would Jesus Do?). There is one that is probably misunderstood today that I’d like to mention, especially since the Advent and Christmas seasons will be here before we know it. The abbreviation is XMAS. I have heard many misinformed pastors and members of congregations mistakenly say, “Don’t X Jesus out of Christmas.” While the sentiment is true and a much needed reminder in today’s ever increasingly secular culture, XMAS does not mean “X-ing Jesus out of Christmas.” (I just read an article on the internet how many people are getting away from church—and even religion in general.)
XMAS is an old abbreviations used by the Church. In ancient manuscripts of the New Testament and of Christian writings, it was common for scribes to use “X” as an abbreviation for “Christ.” (“X” is the first letter in the Greek word for “Christ.” It is represented as a “ch” in English.) The “mas” part in XMAS comes from the Old English for Missa, a word in Latin meaning “dismissal.” Eventually, the word became “Mass,” and was used to describe Holy Communion when the birth of Christ was observed. That’s where the term, “Christmas” comes from. The abbreviation, “Xmas,” then became associated with the growing observance of the birth of Jesus, first mentioned as early as the third century, A.D. So, when using “XMAS,” it’s important to remember that it is not something to remove Christ from Christmas, or to lessen the importance of the event in which God offered salvation to the world. It was simply a way in which ancient scribes transcribed the title of the event in which the birth of Christ was observed.
As a reminder: at Bible Study on most Wednesday nights at Lock’s Memorial UMC, I often explain little mysteries like this. My approach is, “Little Known Things About the Best Known Book.” If you want to know more, consider coming to Bible Study. It’s open to all, and there are always great snacks!
Pastor Michael O’Bannon