Jesus’ birth is surrounded with awe, wonder, and familiar semantics. Do you know what these words mean? Just in case you are like me and don’t really have a clue about some of these, I thought I would create a quick reference for you.
#1 Christmas
This is Christ (Deity) + Mass (Eucharist/Lord’s Death Celebrated, Lord’s Supper, Grateful)
#2 Noel
French word for Christmas
#3 Yuletide
Yule – Anglo-Saxons’ name for a two-month midwinter season corresponding to Roman December and January taken over by Christianity.
Tide – Portion of time
(I know…it makes no sense to me either)
#4 Partridge
Bird from the pheasant family. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa.
#5 Magi
Magician is our transliterated word. Used in one gospel, Matthew. Traditionally known as “wise men”.
#6 Holiday
Holy-Day!
#7 Tidings
Piece of News
#8 Wassail
Be healthy.
#9 Emmanuel/Immanuel
God with us!
#10 Frankincense
Incense of high quality
#11 Advent
The arrival or coming…of someone important.
#12 Dreidel
Four-sided spinning top.
#13 Xmas
The X is an abbreviation for Christ in Christmas, from first letter of the Greek Christos “Christ”
Hope this helps you this Christmas! Merry Christmas from The O’Dells.
Dwayne says,
Excellent post! Many believers do not know or are ignorant when it comes to “holiday” or “Xmas”. Up until about 9 years ago, I was ignorant of this too, until it was explained to me once.
on 24 December 2010 / 12:53 PM