In a world adorned with twinkling lights, festive carols, and the scent of holiday spices, there exists a peculiar corner where some churches defy the norm and abstain from celebrating Christmas. As the majority of Christian congregations immerse themselves in the joyous festivities of December, these silent sanctuaries choose a path less adorned, opting to forgo the traditional yuletide cheer.
For these churches, the decision not to celebrate Christmas is rooted in theological beliefs and historical considerations. Some argue that the exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown and that the Bible does not prescribe a specific day for the commemoration. Others emphasize a desire to distance themselves from the commercialization and secular aspects that have become intertwined with the holiday.
Amidst the glittering decorations of neighboring churches, these non-celebratory congregations maintain a simplicity that challenges the cultural norm. Inside their walls, you won’t find nativity scenes, Christmas trees, or echoes of familiar carols. Instead, the focus often shifts towards spiritual introspection, biblical teachings, and a commitment to year-round faith rather than a concentrated burst during the holiday season.
Below are the six churches that don’t celebrate Christmas and their reason for doing so:
(1) JEHOVAH’S WITNESS
This religious organisation is one of the biggest group of Christmas-shunners. Once upon a time, Jehovah’s Witnesses used to observe Christmas. This was until 1928, after further study by one official. The official found that this is based on“false religious beliefs or activities.” Deseret News reports that this is explained in a 1993 book, “Jehovah’s Witnesses — Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom.”
(2) SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Like Jehovah’s Witnesses, this church is also against Christmas.
A publication from them reads: “We do not celebrate Christmas as the Birth of Christ per say since Christ was not born in Dec. “He did not want us to celebrate His birth or He would have told us when He was born. It has become a money-making celebration with Christ mixed in. It is a pagan ritual.
(3) DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE
A few years ago, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the head of the Church announced to the world that his church does not celebrate the popular holiday.
Explaining at the 2013 December retreat, he said: “We don’t celebrate Christmas nor sing Christmas carol; because Christmas is of idolatrous background.”
(4) GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS)
GKS believe that there is no single evidence in the Bible that Jesus Christ was born on the 25th of December. Rather, they believe that He was born in October and that Christmas originated from “a noisy pagan festival in honour of the god of the sun”.
The church was started by St. Gideon Meriodere Urhobo in 1934 after leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses with headquarters found in Warri, Nigeria.
(5) RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS ( AKA QUAKERS).
This church believes that “every day is a holy day,” so there is no need to single out just one day to celebrate.
(6) MOUNTAIN OF FIRE MINISTRIES (MFM)
According to the founder, Pastor D.K. Olukoya, “We don’t celebrate Christmas because the root is demonic.”
If some Christian’s within themselves don’t celebrate the acclaimed birthday of Jesus Christ, why then should Muslims celebrate it?
Source: Amir Bello Mustapha Najim
