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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: The Reason for the Season of Christmas (12/04/08)
“Look at that,” she groused. “They’ve taken the Christ out of Christmas.”

“Are you referring to the neon sign over there?”

Trish’s friend stared at her incredulously. “Of course, I mean that sign over there,” she retorted. “Doesn’t it offend you to see ‘Xmas’”?

“Well, no not really”, Trish reply. “I kind of like algebra.”

An awkward pause punctuated the air. Then red faced and with a quizzical look, Anna asked, “What does algebra have to do with heathens and pagans turning the birthday of Christ into debauchery and hedonism?”

“Debauchery and hedonism", Trish laughed. “Brushing up on your vocabulary, are you? Have you been working the crossword puzzles in Reader’s Digest™”, she teased? “Anyway…Think about it. The real reason for this season really is the X factor.

“You’ve lost me.”

You see in algebra, X represents the unknown, but knowable. And so does Jesus.”

“Huh?”

“Pay attention to the logic. Or should I say Logos? The bible teaches that there is a solution for the problem of humanity. The problem is the need for redemption. Now everyone knows there is but one number to be substituted for the “X” that will result in the correct answer to an algebraic equation. So, too, there is but one word that can be substituted for the “X” in “Xmas” that will result in the answer to the problem of humanity. That one is Christ.”

“But heathens don’t know that”.

“Then you and I who know Him should do what my algebra teacher did. Draw near to them and ask if they know what the X represents. You see, the reason for the season is to substitute the X for Christ. The reason for the season is to insert Him into the equation of our lives.”
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This article has been read 1147 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Diana Smith 
12/11/08
Ooooohhhh, I liked this one! My math mind was clapping loudly for the argument and my emotional side that bristles each time I see the "X" is overjoyed at your explanation. Great challenge. THANK YOU! Well written piece as well.
Brian Haugrud
12/12/08
That's the first time that I've heard "x" used in a positive way for Christmas---good job!
Helen Murray
12/12/08
Fantastic!
Catrina Bradley
12/17/08
I love this come-back to "X"-mas. And I love the line about putting Christ into the equation of our life. Nice title, too. :)
Pamela Kliewer 
12/17/08
I like this. :) I have also heard that X is Greek for Christ... I googled it and did find information to such.

One small thing: .... Have you been working the crossword puzzles in Reader’s Digest™”, she teased? Shouldn't it be Have you been working the crossword puzzles in Reader’s Digest™?” she teased.