For many of us, December 25th means family gatherings, Advent readings, and worship services filled with Christmas carols. But in countless communities around the world, people treat it like any other day. No candles. No nativity scenes. No celebration of the birth of Jesus, because most have never heard the good news that He came.
This December, Faithful Witness teams asked this in their communities: “What are you doing on December 25?” Here’s what they heard.
Central Asia: “We Don’t Celebrate That Here”
In Central Asia, Christmas doesn’t appear on the cultural calendar. Gabriel recently met Vera, a local pharmacist in her mid-30s. She took the day to show Gabriel and his wife around the city. They spent time exploring a local bazaar, visiting a mosque, and walking through a local park. When Gabriel mentioned Christmas coming up, Vera replied: “We don’t celebrate that here.”
Vera and her husband identify as agnostic. Yet, during their conversation, she shared her dream of speaking English fluently. Gabriel offered to help, and now they meet online every Monday morning to practise. These conversations build trust and open doors for Gabriel and his wife to share an even greater hope: the One who came to give life in abundance.
Pray for Vera and others like her to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
South Asia: “We Are Waiting to See”
In one South Asian city, December 25 looks like any other day. People go to work or stay home. One neighbour opens his house and serves food to the community – a rare gesture of hospitality. Local believers face uncertainty. Kate explained: “We are waiting to see if the local believers will be able to meet on Christmas Day.”
Why is this? In September, the country changed its anti-conversion laws. Those changes led to the closure of 67 registered churches and 126 house churches. Now, these believers are waiting for a Supreme Court ruling on whether these laws violate the Constitution. Until then, many wonder if they can gather at all.
Pray for courage and legal breakthroughs so believers can worship freely and more can come to know Christ.
Nigeria: “We Eat, Drink, and Exchange Gifts”
Among the Fulani in Nigeria, people treat Christmas as cultural, not spiritual. When Iaka, a Faithful Witness team member, asked his friend Mr. Isah what he planned for December 25, Isah answered: “We eat, drink, and exchange gifts in the field – Christians and Muslims together.”
Their conversation turned to Isah’s name, which is Jesus in Arabic. “Do you know the story of Isah?” Iaka asked. Isah admitted: “I haven’t read the Injil (good news) given to Isah.” Iaka offered him a copy of the New Testament as a Christmas gift. Isah’s eyes brightened: “I would like that, sir.” Before they parted, Isah shared a heartfelt request: “Please pray for us. We have no children.”
Pray for Isah and his Fulani community to discover the One who brings hope and life for eternity.
North Africa: “Just Another Day”
In North Africa, December 25 passes like any other workday. Christian university students from Sub-Saharan African countries may still have classes on that day. Local children might only stay home because of the winter break. Most people never mention the name Christ.
Yet, in one city, a small group of believers plans to gather to fellowship on Christmas Day and host a worship night on December 24. In a place where faith often hides, these moments shine like light in the darkness. These moments are opportunities to invite their local Muslim friends to join in celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Pray that these gatherings encourage believers and draw more people to know Christ.
Thailand: “Another Foreigner Holiday”
In Thailand, December 25 is a normal workday. People go about their daily lives – school, work, errands. Malls sparkle with Christmas trees and Santa Claus decorations, but most Thai people say Christmas is “just another foreigner holiday – a time to buy and give gifts and enjoy a western celebration.”
Some parents at Joyful Heart Bilingual House, the Mandarin and English school started by the team, have heard of Jesus but have never heard the gospel. This Christmas, the team sees an open door: “We have the opportunity to share the gospel with the parents and children, sowing seeds.”
Pray for these Christmas conversations to lead families toward Christ.
The Eternal Gift of Christmas
Christmas isn’t universal, but Christ’s mission to redeem the nations to Himself is. In places where December 25 feels ordinary, the gospel remains extraordinary.
Join us in prayer for these communities. Ask God to open hearts and create opportunities for His name to be known during the Christmas season. And consider how you can bring the hope of Jesus where He is not yet known.
