List of Churches That Do Not Celebrate Christmas and Their Reasons
Christmas celebrated on December 25th annually, is a global event commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. For many, it is a time of joy, family reunions, and festivities marked by the holiday season. However, not all Christian denominations observe this tradition. Several churches and their members refrain from celebrating Christmas, citing doctrinal beliefs and concerns over its origins.
Here is a detailed list of churches that do not celebrate Christmas and their reasons, as highlighted
1. Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the most prominent groups abstaining from Christmas celebrations.
- Reason: They believe that Christmas is rooted in “false religious beliefs or activities” and stems from pagan practices.
- History: The organization initially observed Christmas until 1928 but ceased the practice after discovering its connection to pagan traditions. This decision is documented in their 1993 publication, Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom.
2. Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church also choose not to celebrate Christmas.
- Reason: The church believes that Jesus Christ was not born in December and that the Bible does not command Christians to commemorate His birth.
- Perspective: They view Christmas as a commercialized event with pagan roots. The church emphasizes that observing Christmas or Easter is a personal decision, encouraging followers to focus on their faith and relationship with Christ instead of conforming to societal customs.
3. Deeper Life Bible Church
Deeper Life Bible Church does not partake in traditional Christmas celebrations.
- Reason: The church views Christmas as having an idolatrous origin tied to the pagan celebration of the sun god.
- Alternative: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the General Overseer, clarified during a December 2013 retreat that Christmas is not biblically grounded. Instead, the church observes Freedom Day in October to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
4. God’s Kingdom Society (GKS)
The God’s Kingdom Society also refrains from Christmas celebrations.
- Reason: The church asserts that Christmas is rooted in Roman pagan customs, such as Saturnalia, which honor the sun deity.
- Alternative: GKS celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth in October during an event known as Freedom Day. They believe this date aligns with biblical and historical interpretations.
5. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries is another church that does not recognize Christmas as a Christian celebration.
- Reason: The church holds that Christmas originates from pagan customs, particularly the Roman Saturnalia festival. It argues that the celebration lacks a biblical foundation and is not rooted in Christian theology.
- Statement: This stance was publicly reiterated by the church’s founder in 2019, emphasizing their doctrinal beliefs.
Conclusion
While Christmas remains a widely celebrated tradition among Christians, these denominations highlight differing perspectives, emphasizing their commitment to doctrine and biblical interpretation. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists, Deeper Life Bible Church, God’s Kingdom Society, and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, the decision not to celebrate Christmas stems from concerns about its origins and alignment with scripture. Instead, they focus on alternative practices that they believe honor Jesus Christ more authentically.