“Is it wrong to say ‘Xmas’ instead of ‘Christmas’?”……There are many who view the word Xmas as part of an overall “War on Christmas” (See explanation below)They view it as a blatant attempt to take Christ out of Christmas. While it is undeniable that some use Xmas in that manner, the actual origin of the word Xmas has nothing to do with taking Christ out of Christmas.……In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the word for "Christ" is Ôò¼┬║┬ñ├╝Ôò¼Ôòú┬ñ├ó┬ñ├ñ┬ñ├«┬ñ├®, which begins with the Greek letter that is essentially the same letter as the English letter X. So, originally, Xmas was simply an abbreviation of Christmas. No grand conspiracy to take Christ out of Christmas. Just an abbreviation.……But there is no denying that there is a trend to, in a sense, take Christ out of Christmas. In pursuit of tolerance, inclusiveness, and political correctness, some are attempting to obscure the Christian origins of Christmas-as if our society's materialism has not already obscured the meaning of Christmas. Whether they refer to it as "Xmas" or "the winter holidays" or something else, some will not be satisfied until the celebration is entirely secularized. In response to this, rather than getting angry or complaining about the use of Xmas, we should be sharing the love of Christ through word and deed.

“War on Christmas”?”……Many people perceive that there is a concerted effort to eliminate the word "Christmas" from public discourse-sort of a "war on Christmas." The stories seem to be coming more frequently: a grade-school choir sings "We Wish You a Happy Holiday" instead of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" for their "Winter Concert." A library invites "holiday displays" from the community provided the displays have no religious connotation-the stable may have animals in it, but no people. It is possible to do all one's Christmas shopping and never see or hear the word "Christmas" in the stores.……Of course, there's nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings." But if someone says "Happy Holidays" for the sole purpose of not saying "Merry Christmas," then we are right to question what's going on. "Why is the word Christmas censored?" we wonder as we wander through the malls. Why do some public schools celebrate everything from Kwanzaa to Labafana the Christmas witch, and ban the Nativity, all in the name of "inclusion" and "tolerance"?……One reason put forward by those seeking to avoid the word Christmas is that it would offend non-Christians. But, according to a recent Gallup poll, only 3 percent of adults in America say it bothers them when a store makes specific reference to Christmas. The exclusion of Christmas, then, is not really a way to "adapt" to a more diverse culture, but a way to engineer a more secular culture.……Many times, the arguments against Christmas programs and displays are couched in political terms, but the bias against Christmas goes much deeper than that. This is primarily a spiritual battle, not a political one.……How should Christians respond to the ubiquitous use of "Happy Holidays" and the exclusion of Christmas? Here are some suggestions:……1) Celebrate Christmas! Let the joy of the season show in your life. Teach your family the significance of Jesus' birth and make the Christmas traditions meaningful in your home.……2) Wish others a Merry Christmas. When confronted with a "Happy Holidays," get specific, and wish the greeter a "Merry Christmas!" You may be surprised at how many respond in kind. Even if you're met with resistance, don't let it dampen your cheer. Ebenezer Scrooge's nephew was rebuffed year after year, but it never stopped him from wishing his humbug of an uncle a Merry Christmas and inviting him to Christmas dinner. ……3) Speak the truth in love ( Ephesians 4:15). 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

The Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ's love and the gospel message. He is the reason for the season!……4) Pray for those in positions of power (1 Timothy 2:1-3) 1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.3 This is good and pleases God our Savior. Pray for wisdom. Pray for revival so that Christmas, instead of being "offensive," would be honored by all.