Dear Mike:
We need to correct a false notion about how we need to spell “Christ.”
The word Christ (English) is originally Greek (“Christos”). The first two letters are ‘X’ (Chi) and ‘P’ (Rho).
These have typified the connotation for “Christ” throughout time, with the ‘P’ superimposed over the ‘X’. We should be familiar with this honourable typification as used by scribes. It is centuries old.
It seems that only within the last century, by the prompting of some newspaper entities in the U.S., we have been errantly admonished to discontinue the proper use of these good letters to describe the Christ.
The only typification here then can only be ignorance.
In our enthusiasm to follow the great man that we think Jesus was, it is very easy to become eager to project upon others the mistakes we’re bound to make. Let’s remember that Jesus was a Jew and pretty much had no intention of being anything other than a model Jew.
He was never a Christian.
As many students of his honourable words and direction have come to realize, we have venerated and worshiped the man into an extinction such that his name became used for many reasons contrary to his own hopes for an improved social order for humanity–all humanity.
Christianity as we know it could have never been his hope.
And so we have institutionalized such ignorance into conventional wisdom—the very conventional wisdom that got Jesus killed.
A good example is before us if we cannot do what Jesus would have hoped for us and that is to genuinely reach out to a neighbour and greet that someone–even with a salutation like “Happy Holidays.”
I should think that greeting would trump saying, “Please go to Hell!”
So whether you believe in Christmas or not, will you please accept the love for the folklore and tradition I have for this wonderful season of Advent into Christmas through my wish for everyone to have a “Merry Xmas,” “Happy Holiday,” and even a “Merry Christmas!”
(Signed)
Gerard Guimond
Fort Frances, Ont.