5 Churches That Do Not Observe Christmas Celebrations in Nigeria

Christmas observed globally on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, some churches in Nigeria choose not to celebrate this holiday, often due to its historical roots and a desire to adhere strictly to biblical teachings. 

Here are 5 Nigerian churches that do not observe Christmas

Jehovah’s Witnesses 

Originally, Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrated Christmas. However, in 1928, they ceased the celebration after concluding that the holiday was based on “false religious beliefs” as per the 1993 publication “Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom.”

They believe that events like Christmas would be explicitly mentioned in the Bible if they were meant to be celebrated.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 

This church does not celebrate Christmas because they believe Jesus was not born on December 25 and the Bible does not instruct Christians to celebrate His birth.

They view Christmas as a commercial event with pagan origins. While the church does not officially celebrate, it allows members to decide whether to observe the holiday privately.

Deeper Life Bible Church

Under the guidance of Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the Deeper Life Bible Church also avoids Christmas celebrations. In 2013, Kumuyi stated that the holiday had idolatrous origins and that the typical Christmas customs and songs were neither biblical nor part of early Christian traditions.

God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) 

Founded in 1934 by St. Gideon Meriodere Urhobo, GKS celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth in October on a day they call Freedom Day.

They argue that the actual historical and biblical evidence does not support a December birth, and thus, do not celebrate Christmas which they believe has pagan ties, particularly to the Roman festival of Saturnalia.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)

Led by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, MFM does not observe Christmas, citing its pagan origins and the absence of a biblical mandate for the celebration.

Instead, the church holds a “Power Must Change Hands” prayer and deliverance event as the year ends, focusing on spiritual renewal rather than traditional Christmas festivities.