Yesterday I changed the church lawn sign to announce “Christmas Eve 4:00” worship. I confess to being a little annoyed at having to spell out “Christmas,” which is much longer than “Xmas.” I was trying to be sensitive to those who object to “Xmas” as a crass or irreverent treatment of the season.

I get that. “Xmas” could appear to be a capitulation to popular culture: X-Files, X-Men, xBox, X Factor, and yes, x-rated. But that’s not how I see it. “X” is a cross! The birth of Jesus is just the beginning. Without the rest of the story, Christmas is pointless.

Xmas peace to you and yours.