BY RITA OYIBOKA
Christmas is a time of cheer, celebration, and reflection for many around the world. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, and has evolved into a holiday season filled with traditions of gift-giving, family reunions, fireworks, and acts of kindness.
However, while Christmas is widely celebrated, not everyone partakes in the festivities. The reasons vary, ranging from theological beliefs to personal decisions, and even historical controversies surrounding the date of Christ’s birth.
For many, Christmas represents a period to commemorate the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For Mrs. Joy Emegha, “Christmas is about hope and salvation. It’s a time to reflect on God’s love for humanity, manifested in the birth of His Son, and a chance to extend that love to others.”
Churches host special services, families gather to share meals, and communities engage in charitable acts. Christmas carols fill the air, and sparkling decorations light up streets and homes, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.
Despite its widespread celebration, Christmas is not universally observed. Among those who abstain are members of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination that does not celebrate the holiday.
In an interview with a Jehovah’s Witness for over five decades, Mrs. Esther Ozour, explained, “Christmas is not biblically commanded. We prioritise following the teachings of Jesus Christ, and there is no scriptural basis for celebrating His birth.
“Additionally, Christmas has pagan origins and is not supported by the Bible; many of its traditions are rooted in ancient pagan festivals honouring deities, which contradicts our belief in worshiping Jehovah alone. Instead, we focus on memorialising Jesus’ death during the annual observance of the Memorial (or Passover) rather than celebrating His birth.
“My children, who are Pentecostals, do celebrate Christmas, but they understand not to give me Christmas gifts. Any gifts are given either before or after Christmas.”
While others celebrate Christmas, they often have their own personal or religious priorities. For example, a member of the First Baptist Church in Warri, Mr. John Nwoke, reflects, “I grew up in a family that celebrated Christmas with rice, chicken, new clothes, and visiting friends and neighbours. However, when I started my own family, I changed how we observed the holiday.
“These days, Christmas seems to revolve more around spending and superficial elements rather than honoring Jesus. The Christmas tree, lights, red and white decorations, Santa Claus, and even many carols have little to do with Christ. Therefore my family no longer emphasise those including special meals and new outfits. Instead, on Christmas Day, we focus on prayer and listening to gospel music.”
A longstanding controversy surrounds the actual date of Jesus Christ’s birth. Many scholars and theologians argue that December 25 is unlikely to be the actual date. Historical evidence suggests that this date was chosen to align with existing pagan festivals, such as the Roman celebration of Sol Invictus, and the birth of the unconquered sun.
In an interview with Pastor Precious Ogbonna of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, he explained his church’s position:
“We celebrate the end and beginning of the year, but not Christmas, because Jesus was not born on December 25. Instead, it was a pagan god, Tammuz, whose birth was celebrated on that day. Emperor Constantine, who sought to unify his empire, allowed this pagan practice to creep into Christianity. In AD 321, he even changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.”
Pastor Ogbonna emphasised the importance of focusing on biblical truths: “We are not against the birth of Jesus, but we affirm that He was not born on December 25.
However, during the yuletide, we encourage people to show love to one another and help others. Let love lead, but be cautious because false doctrines fly with supersonic movement.”
Another voice in the ongoing debate is Mr. Festus Anamali, who expressed frustration at the repetitive arguments regarding Christmas. “Another Christmas, and the recycled argument continues on how December 25 is a pagan feast, and how Christ was not born on the 25th. Let us agree that Jesus was not born on the 25th; can you kindly suggest to us a new date?”
Anamali critiqued the arguments surrounding the origins of Christmas and the day of worship, noting that the names of the days of the week themselves are rooted in paganism. “Monday is named after the god of the moon. Thursday is for the Norse god known in Modern English as Thor. Friday is named after the Anglo-Saxon goddess Fríge. Saturday is named after the Roman god Saturn,” he explained.
He argued that many aspects of Christian practice have adopted elements from pagan traditions. “What some fail to see is that the Christian faith must be planted in a culture for it to take root. Once the Christian faith is planted in any culture, it uproots the bad in it and retains the good.”
Even for those who do not celebrate Christmas, the season often serves as a reminder of the importance of love, generosity, and community. Many non-celebrants and even non-Christians who partake in the celebration of Christmas participate in acts of kindness and charity during the period, highlighting shared human values.
For example, Steven Ayodeji, who identifies as non-religious but chooses to celebrate Christmas, shared, “Regardless of whether someone observes Christmas, it’s clear that the holiday season fosters a spirit of goodwill. It’s a time to reflect on our treatment of one another and consider how we can contribute to a better society.”
Whether celebrated or not, Christmas undeniably holds significance as a cultural and spiritual phenomenon. It unites millions in the spirit of love and giving, while also sparking critical conversations about faith and history.
As the holiday season approaches, perhaps the greatest takeaway is the universal call to kindness, understanding, and generosity, values that transcend religious and cultural boundaries. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, these principles remain timeless and essential for a harmonious world.
