Rita Odafe
Christmas, celebrated globally on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. However, some churches in Nigeria choose not to participate in this holiday for various reasons, including its historical context and a desire to adhere strictly to biblical teachings.
Below are five Nigerian churches that do not observe Christmas:
1. Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Jehovah’s Witnesses were among the first to discontinue Christmas celebrations, formally doing so in 1928. They believe the holiday is based on “false religious beliefs,” as stated in their literature. Though the transition was gradual for some members, the belief persists that the Bible would have mentioned the need to celebrate Christmas if it were significant.
2. Seventh-Day Adventist Church:
Seventh-Day Adventists do not celebrate Christmas since they worship on Saturdays and believe Jesus was not born in December. They view the holiday as commercialized with pagan connections. However, individual members might choose to celebrate privately with their families, focusing more on their faith than on secular traditions.
3. Deeper Life Bible Church:
Led by Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, Deeper Life Bible Church has opted out of Christmas celebrations, citing its idolatrous roots. Kumuyi has pointed out that the customs associated with Christmas have no basis in the Bible or early Christian traditions, leading the church to refrain from such observances.
4. God’s Kingdom Society (GKS):
Founded in 1934 by St. Gideon Meriodere Urhobo, the GKS celebrates Jesus’s birth in October through an event called Freedom Day. They avoid Christmas due to its pagan origins, believing their October celebration better reflects biblical teachings. The society associates Christmas with ancient Roman festivals, aiming to promote what they view as true Christian practices.
5. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM):
Dr. Daniel Olukoya leads MFM, which also refrains from Christmas celebrations, viewing it as rooted in pagan traditions. In 2019, Olukoya emphasized that the church rejects the holiday’s customs, and instead conducts a “Power Must Change Hands” ceremony to usher in the New Year with a focus on prayer and spiritual strength, prioritizing biblical integrity over cultural festivities.
