5 Nigerian Churches That Do Not Celebrate Christmas And Why

Here are five churches that do not celebrate Christmas and the reasons behind their stance:

1. Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses, one of the most well-known groups to reject Christmas celebrations, observed the holiday until 1928. However, their research into the origins of Christmas revealed connections to “false religious beliefs or activities,” prompting them to cease the practice.

According to the book Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom (1993), the Bible does not command Christians to celebrate Christ’s birth, leading them to conclude that it is not a divinely endorsed event. The transition to rejecting Christmas wasn’t immediate, as members needed time to fully align with the new position.

2. Seventh-Day Adventist Church

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, known for its Saturday worship aligned with the Jewish Sabbath, does not officially celebrate Christmas. They argue that Jesus was not born in December and that the Bible does not command Christians to commemorate His birth.

EKO HOT BLOG gathers that the church views Christmas as a commercialized event with pagan origins. While some members quietly observe Christmas and Easter with family, the church emphasizes personal faith and connection with Christ over cultural traditions.

3. Deeper Life Bible Church

Deeper Life Bible Church, under the leadership of Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, abstains from Christmas celebrations, citing its idolatrous origins. During the church’s December retreat in 2013, Kumuyi explained that Christmas customs, including songs, have no basis in the Bible or early Christian practices.

Instead, Deeper Life celebrates Jesus’ birth in October through an event called Freedom Day, distancing themselves from the December festivities rooted in pagan traditions.

4. God’s Kingdom Society (GKS)

The God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) celebrates Jesus’ birth anniversary in October, also through an event called Freedom Day. The GKS avoids December celebrations due to their belief that Christmas has pagan origins tied to Roman customs, such as Saturnalia, which honored the sun deity.

Founded in 1934 by St. Gideon Meriodere Urhobo, a former Jehovah’s Witness, the GKS emphasizes a Biblically accurate interpretation of Christianity. Their teachings reflect Urhobo’s mission to restore authentic Christian practices.

5. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), founded by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, does not celebrate Christmas, citing its pagan roots and lack of biblical basis. In 2019, Dr. Olukoya publicly stated that Christmas stems from Roman pagan celebrations, particularly Saturnalia.

Churches Celebrate Christmas

Instead, MFM holds an annual “Power Must Change Hands” ceremony to mark the New Year, focusing on deliverance, prayer, and spiritual preparation. The church prioritizes holiness, biblical purity, and spiritual warfare over cultural festivities.