1. Researched by Jerry W. Sanders
Xmas
Researched by
Jerry W. Sanders

2. X-mas – commercialized?
Earliest days of Church history
Followers of Christ – Greeks
Greek for Christ’s name – Xristos (Christos)
Fish - symbol denote churches & Christian gatherings
X (chi) – symbol of Faith
X marked the place of martyrs
X – ultimate symbol of devotion and sacrifice
Xmas wasn’t existed
3 ½ centuries later
not widely recognized after the designated date

3. Honored martyrs and Savior
Christ’s name abbreviated
Almost all documents in ornate style (X)
Ink and paper were scarce
saved times
saved resources
Knowledge of Greek language & early history of church
Word of power
devotional value
Honored martyrs and Savior
Xmas word by the church
reminders
Christ’s birth
Cross

4. Couldn’t celebrate Christmas openly
Reasons in 1800’s
Saved print space
Many Americans couldn’t read
Today’s culture in America
Knowledge of English
lack of knowledge of first use by the church
Disadvantages for early Greek believers
Couldn’t celebrate Christmas openly
Paid for their faith with their lives
X – The ultimate statement of faith