Happy Christmas

In recent years, there’s been considerable controversy over the vocabulary we as practicing Christians should use during this season. Should we say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” or, more confusingly, go with the British Happy Christmas? The concern over our seasonal greeting is well-intended. In the midst of an ever more commercialized and secularized Christmas, it’s easy to latch onto anything that can help us feel connected with the underlying Christian roots of the season. It’s worth noting, however, that our faith is at the heart of nearly all of the vocabulary used during this time of year.

One example is the word Noel, a word very much associated with Christmas. This word comes into English via French from the Latin word natalis, which means “birth.” The word “Christmas” is an abbreviated form of Christ Mass and marks the celebration of the Eucharist on Christmas Day. Even the word “holiday” is an abbreviation of holy day.

Ultimately, it’s not the vocabulary we use that will define the sanctity of the season but rather the way we celebrate it. Where does Jesus fit into your commemoration of Christmas?

related topics: Advent; Gaudete Sunday

you also may like our study of Scripture & the Rosary (digital only)
Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels, a 26-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, looks at the biblical foundations of the Rosary. The study includes lessons on Pope St. John Paul II’s Rosarium Virginis Mariae (Rosary of the Virgin Mary), the Apostles’ Creed, and the Luminous Mysteries as well as the original 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Color photographs of stained glass windows depict key scenes in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Free digital lessons rotate throughout the year on our website.

Click on the picture of the statue of Moses with horns (above) to learn more about Lost in Translation. A new entry is archived each Monday. Contact us to receive Lost in Translation by email every week. You may use any of the contact links on our website to ask Matthew a question.