Why Does the Iglesia ni Cristo Not Celebrate Christmas?

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a prominent religious organization in the Philippines since 1914, is known for its distinctive doctrines and practices. One of the most notable among these is the non-observance of Christmas, a holiday celebrated by billions of Christians worldwide. For those unfamiliar with INC teachings, this stance may seem puzzling. However, it is rooted in their unique interpretation of the Bible and their commitment to adhering strictly to what they believe are the original Christian teachings. This article explores the reasons why the Iglesia ni Cristo does not celebrate Christmas.

1. The Absence of a Biblical Command

Iglesia ni Cristo does not celebrate Christmas primarily because they believe it is not biblically mandated. The church teaches that there is no explicit instruction in the Bible to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. So they argue that the apostles and early Christians did not celebrate Christmas, suggesting that it was not part of the original Christian tradition.

Instead, the INC emphasizes following practices explicitly instructed in the Bible, such as observing the Lord’s Supper and attending worship services. For them, adhering strictly to biblical commands is paramount.

2. Questionable Origins of Christmas

The INC also rejects Christmas due to its historical and pagan origins. According to them, December 25 was originally a Roman pagan festival celebrating the “birthday” of the sun god, Sol Invictus, during the winter solstice. The date was later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church as a means of Christianizing pagan traditions.

So they teach that incorporating pagan elements into Christian worship is unacceptable. They believe that such practices are contrary to the teachings of the Bible, which call for purity in worship and the rejection of idolatry.

3. Misrepresentation of Jesus’ Birth

The INC does not celebrate Christmas because they believe that December 25 is not the actual date of Jesus Christ’s birth. They argue that biblical accounts of His birth, such as the presence of shepherds tending to their flocks, suggest a different time of year: either spring or fall.

For them, commemorating His birth on an inaccurate date is inconsistent with their commitment to biblical accuracy and truth.

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4. Focus on True Christian Living

Rather than celebrating holidays like Christmas, the INC emphasizes living a life that reflects true Christian values. They believe that faith should be demonstrated through daily obedience to God’s commands, regular worship, and acts of kindness rather than through annual celebrations.

This focus on genuine Christian living is a cornerstone of their faith and practice, reinforcing their belief that following biblical teachings is more important than participating in non-biblical traditions.

5. Avoidance of Worldly Practices

The INC also views Christmas celebrations as overly commercialized and secularized, focusing on materialism rather than spirituality. By abstaining from Christmas, they distance themselves from what they consider to be worldly and non-religious practices that distract from the true essence of faith.

Their decision not to celebrate Christmas is deeply rooted in their commitment to biblical authenticity, historical awareness, and spiritual purity. For INC members, their faith is about adhering strictly to God’s commandments and rejecting practices they believe are not aligned with the original teachings of Christianity.

While this stance may be difficult for others to understand, it reflects the Iglesia ni Cristo’s unwavering dedication to their interpretation of the Bible and their mission to live according to God’s will. For them, true worship is not about following traditions but about living a life that honors God every day.