Why X is used when it replaces “Christ” in Christmas?

R.C. Sproul explains:

The simple answer to your question is that the X in Christmas is used like the R in R.C. My given name at birth was Robert Charles, although before I was even taken home from the hospital my parents called me by my initials, R.C., and nobody seems to be too scandalized by that.

The rest here.

HT: Challies