Christmas, an event that is celebrated on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely observed holidays around the globe.
However, some churches in Nigeria abstain from this celebration, citing reasons such as its historical origins and a commitment to strict biblical adherence.
Here are five Nigerian churches that do not celebrate Christmas:
1. Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Historically, Jehovah’s Witnesses were one of the largest groups to refrain from celebrating Christmas. While they initially observed the holiday, the organization stopped celebrating it in 1928.
According to the 1993 book Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, Christmas is rooted in “false religious beliefs,” which led the Witnesses to abandon the holiday.
Although the shift was gradual, as some members needed time to fully accept the new stance, the group argued that the Bible would have addressed the importance of celebrating Christmas if it were required.
2. Seventh-Day Adventist Church:
Seventh-Day Adventists, who worship on Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath), also do not celebrate Christmas. The church explains that since Jesus wasn’t born in December, and the Bible does not command the celebration of His birth, Christmas is viewed as a commercialized event with pagan origins.
However, some members may quietly celebrate Christmas or Easter with family and friends. Ultimately, the church leaves this decision to individuals, encouraging them to focus on their faith and connection with Christ, rather than adhering to secular customs.
3. Deeper Life Bible Church:
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, leader of Deeper Life Bible Church, declared several years ago that his congregation does not celebrate Christmas. During the church’s 2013 December retreat, Kumuyi explained that Christmas has idolatrous origins, and since Christmas customs and songs are not found in the Bible or early Christian practices, Deeper Life refrains from participating in these traditions.
4. God’s Kingdom Society (GKS):
The God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), founded in 1934 by St. Gideon Meriodere Urhobo in Nigeria, commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth in October with an event called Freedom Day. GKS avoids celebrating Christmas in December due to its pagan roots and believes the October date aligns better with historical and biblical interpretations.
They associate Christmas with Roman pagan customs, such as the Saturnalia festival, which honored the sun deity. Urhobo founded GKS with the aim of restoring what he saw as authentic Christian practices.
5. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM):
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), led by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, does not celebrate Christmas due to its pagan origins and lack of biblical foundation.
Dr. Olukoya publicly declared in 2019 that the church rejects Christmas, emphasizing that it stems from pagan customs and the Roman Saturnalia festival.
Instead of Christmas celebrations, MFM organizes the “Power Must Change Hands” ceremony to welcome the New Year with a focus on deliverance, prayer, and spiritual combat, prioritizing holiness and biblical purity over cultural celebrations.
