OCR Text |
Show DECLARE "XMAS" IS PROPER Mlwaukco (Wis.) Clergymen 8ay Abbreviation Ab-breviation Has Origin In Greek Spelling of "Christ."" Use of tho word Xtnns In abbreviation abbrevia-tion of Christmas Is not Irreverent or ucrlloglous, but Is of ancient and classical origin. "This was tho consensus of opinion txprcsscd by reprcsontntlvo clergy of n number of denominations throughout the city, says tho .Mllwnukco Sentl-tel. Sentl-tel. The letter "X" as used In connection with tho word Xmn4 to express Christ-an Christ-an Is the first letter In tho Creek name for Christ, which In English let-trs let-trs Is spelled "Xrlstos," explained Iiev. Herbert C. Noonnn, S. J., president presi-dent of Mnrquctto university. "lie-cuuso "lie-cuuso of this, tho letter "X" long has rccn n symbol for Christ, nnd has been used ns such for generations since tho Christian era. "An Illustration of the common use of the term Is tho custom, stilt prevalent preva-lent among some men, of signing let-' ltrs 'Yours In Xto,' In this case tho 'to' following tho letter being tho 1 ctln ending' of tho nn mo of Christ." A similar oplnlnh was expressed by Jtev. It. S. Donaldson, pastor of Pcrso-vcrnnco Pcrso-vcrnnco Presbyterian church. "I know many ministers who use he letter 'X' to express Christ In writing their sermons," ho said. "Tho. custom Is of ancient and honorable origin." "It Is n qulto common practlco among theological students to use tho let-' tcr In preference to tho full name," declared Itev. 13. Iteglnald Williams, rector of St. Mnrlt's Episcopal .church. "!. always wrlto It that way myself Itev. W. T. Dorwurd, pastor of-the Haptltt Tubernaclo, declared that blr did not consider the term Irreverent, but personally preferred tho use of tho full word. |