The Bishop of the diocese of Owo Anglican Communion has responded to the comment made by the general overseer of Mountain of Fire ministry Pastor D.K Olukoya over the celebration of Christmas as being unbiblical.
He noted; I had wanted to respond to Dr Olukoya of MFM on his display of theological and ecclesiastical ignorance until I read Fr Oluoma’s rejoinder which I believe to be sound all round. Mine could be seen as an addendum to his well crafted analysis and response.
Dr Olukoya and his Mountain of Fire position on Christmas is a testament to the shallow and unfortunate state of our popular Pentecostal Christianity in present day in Nigeria. They are lacking in biblical theology and wanting in the interpretation of ecclesiastical history and development of the church. Whatever they are today has been given them by the original Christians who believed and observed Christmas.
The problem with many of these popular new generation church leaders is the fact that they do not understand how to relate biblical facts or texts to praxis. The early church suffered and worked hard to confront the issues of their day before putting the church on the path of growth that it has gone through over the centuries.
The other day another of them said that Holy Communion is to be given only in the evening because it was the Lord’s Supper. Laughable! Now Dr Olukoya says Christmas doesn’t need to be celebrated because it is not expressly stated in the Bible. Lack of depth! How many things he is doing today are directly traceable to or instructed in the Bible? Is it the fall and die approach to prayer or which one? If he wants to press his case harder he might soon discover that he cannot go to church on Sunday again. Or is it the term Trinity that he has found so clearly in the Bible? Yet this is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian Church.
This is the problem that the Reformation has brought to us. While it is a good thing on the one hand it has put the Bible in the hands of many unlearned folks who have no understanding of its background and application, yet they have become self-made pastors who are adding to the confusion in our land. God have mercy on us and deliver us from so many uneducated pastors who are leading the church in our land. Where did these people train?
Sadly this brand of Christianity is a kilometer wide and one inch deep as has been aptly described elsewhere. Christmas is to be celebrated, and authentically too, not because of the date but for the profound event of the incarnation that it folds without which our Christianity would be meanignless.
At Christmas we celebrate the fact that out of his love for us God chose to reach out to the sinful world, to tabernacle with us and to reveal himself. St John 1:14 declares that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father , full of grace and truth.” In verse 18 John adds further, “No one has ever seen God, the only God who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” And in his first epistle the elder John insists, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands concerning the word of life …we proclaim also to you.” ( I John 1:1-3).
What Christians celebrate at Christmas is not an idol, it is bigger than an idol: it is the Word made flesh that everyone is called upon to admit, to occupy the centre of their heart instead of an idol. At the celebration of Christmas the idol is dethroned and the God of love who reaches out to save the world by becoming a man is enthroned and celebrated. And this is the position of the Christian Church.
If Dr Olukoya (and his church) does not celebrate this then I wonder what they have to celebrate in their church. For those who celebrate birthdays, we can as well suggest that it is unnecessary because they are alive every day so every day is their birthday. How about that? Christmas celebrates the unique Christ who reaches out to save the world. These people need a little more of Christian Theology. It is easy to read the Bible but not as easy to teach it. Lord have mercy.
51 Comments
I don’t agree with all the points projected by this bishop as regards the celebration of Christmas. Does it mean that he knows biblical history and the bible more than Olukoya? Let’s not castigate the valid point made by Olukoya because he is not an authodox christian .That is why Christianity is a confused religion because there is no consensus opinion of important christian matters like Xmas and others
If you don’t agreed with all that the Bishop has said then you’re not a Christian. This is not a matters of who knows the Bible most, but it is a proven fact that the Bible is self explanatory and sufficient.
Do you even know the meaning of Orthodox and Church History.
Actually, it’s not about a man being a General Overseer but about presenting the scripture both in black and white, allegorical, morally, and anagogically. Our age or fame in ministry does not strike a chord in the realm that matters if we displaced from alignment. M.W.O.TRINITY
I’m sorry for you.
If Christianity is confusing to you.
My brother , go and fast and pray that Jesus may reveal Himself to you.
Until then, you will still be confused.
From a plain point of view and understanding of the scripture relating to our present day view, the date should not be a controversy but what is Paramount is to believe that JESUS CHRIST was born. What the orthodox church celebrate is the love of God shown to the world by releasing his only begotten son to come in human flesh to reconcile the human nature back to God.
Its for reaffirmation not idolation. Every church stands on three basic principles which are FAITH, BIBLE and DOCTRINE. We should not allow doctrine to overwhelmed the life embedded in the word of God.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: To worship God for sending his son to die for us.
EASTER: To rejoice for the fulfilment of the work of reconciliation between man and God.
God will help the Church to see him as he his in TRUTH and in SPIRIT.
Christianity is not confused pls
Valid points my Lord bishop. Even if Christmas has a pagan origin in history & has now been tailored towards the celebration of Christ our Lord instead, the early Church fathers need be identified with applause for doing that. Pls let’s face the fact, if Dr Olukoya will negate Christmas, why is he organizing Father blessing business for thousands of kids at a fee of #1,200 per head. I have nothing against Dr Olukoya but let’s avoid been hypocritical in our comments as Gospel Ambassadors…..
Every blessing ??
Ask to reveal to u personal let’s stick to our founding father’s they lay the foundation for us therefore we should not be deceived
you said Xmas! Christmas is different from Xmas please.@ Felix
Someone who had Christianity on the platter of gold here in Nigeria about 6decades ago trying to teach the whole world what to do…lol this is nothing but a shame in Christianity.
Biblical Theology is deeper and wider than what anyone could just try to make mockery of, all in the name of trying to enforce their karikajoe Christianity on a group of people in a passuasive manner of i know it all, when they have not even begun, wealth does not define true Christian anyway. Biblical Theology is even far above “fall down and die” nor “Fireyayayayaya”. Let someone tell them to revisit that rather than trying to ruin the joy of Christmas.
our passionate love & attachment to some of our non orthodox clergies make us see them as infallible because they are not traditional but in the realm sense of it, their cut out doctrinal activities had really exposed their fallibility..
how can you deny the gospel of Christmas because of the celebration of Christmas, don’t you know you’ll present your own doctrine to shameful criticism? Father Xmas show for #1200?, praying for the death of the spirits cos they’re wicked? Jesus himself never did that, even the archangel Michael with a sword only said a statement, The Lord rebuke you!
but can you blame them? No! I blame us the gullible followers, we want to see God..we want God’s blessing et la but we only believe lies, deceit & it’s unfortunate..
May God help us
If you cannot celebrate,the day God showed His love for mankind by becoming human in order to restore our birth right which we lost at the garden of Eden, then your Christianity need to be questioned
If Christmas is unbiblical, why do you people worship on Sunday against Saturdays, the Sabbath day?
We need to study yesterday to have a better understanding of today so as to prepare for tomorrow.
Many who are self made Church leaders today continue to bring confusion into the fold of Christ because they do not know what the early FATHERS suffered to sustain and hand over this faith down to us.
Imagine somebody coming now to condemn Christmas celebrations that has been in existence for decades, I don’t really understand.
All that we are doing within the Church today (Sunday worship, Christmas, doctrine of Trinity that Christians uphold) were handed over to us by the early FATHERS of faith; but these Church leaders who just came up yesterday and now believe that they know better than those FATHERS who laid down their lives for the sake of the Gospel are causing confusion in the body of Christ. They should ask for forgiveness.
Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious word
Our fathers chained in prison dark
We’re still in heart and conscience free
And bless would be their children’s faith
If they like them should die for thee
Faith of our fathers Holy faith
We will be true to thee till end.
Christianity is not a confused religion. You and I are the ones confused. If I may ask you, are you aware that pastors are being celebrated with expensive gifts from church members? Are you also aware that the only two things Jesus commanded the christians to do is to preach the gospel and observe holy communion? Why do you celebrate Easter which the date is fixed according to the Jewish unleavened festival. Why do you go to church on Sunday? Did Sabbath fall on Sunday?
Celebrate him by obeying his commandments not committing different atrocities in the name of xmas
Atrocity like what…… Don’t be sentimental in expressing your own opinions…. Allow God always.
I need this response to go viral. Well explained my Lord Bishop with the scriptural backings.
The church should and must always not seat and watch it’s theological and spiritual matters eroded.
Go back to your first faith, the origin is pure and rich in CHRIST. Iwakuwa lo n mu yin ri irikuri. Those you are following don’t know what the real meaning of #CHRISTIANITY# is. Wake from your slumber and go back to the church of your parents,where you grow up from and stop following those who are serving the ‘unknown god’.
Scriptural backing of xmas, what bring mas to Christ name, why do catholic have our lady of Fatima
Dec 25 in acient Rome was a date to celebrate the sun god but when the ronan kingdom received christ this date was set aside to celebrate christ as the sun of righteousness meaning that Christ is the everlasting light of the world.revelation 22
Go back to your first faith, the origin is pure and rich in CHRIST. Iwakuwa lo n mu yin ri irikuri. Those you are following don’t know what the real meaning of CHRISTIANITY is. Wake from your slumber and go back to the church of your parents,where you grow up from and stop following those who are serving the ‘unknown god’.
For me, whether or not the date is accurate, what is important is the REASON for which we celebrate.
It’s saddening that so called penterascal are not bothered about things of great importance in the country but are busy setting in confusion everywhere. Hey, you are the one that is confused, we are not confused. If you can’t celebrate Christmas only you knows what you will ever celebrate.
If we celebrate different things on different days, even as far as having a day for those that believe there is no God – 1st of April – because it is a fool that believes there is no God.
I would rather celebrate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords than be bother about the ethimology and verasity of the date.
Felix, when a man carries an ant infested log of wood to his house, he should be ready for reptilian visitation.
Olukoya delved provocatively into a realm he does not have a solid hold upon and you want d Church to swallow, hook, line and sinker his misleading and insulting gibberish.
Our early fathers, by the Holy Spirit, courageously and boldly fought and contended with vicious and terrible idolatrous practices and enthroned godly practices and feasts in the process. These were to handover solid godly living to us. But here we are with a pack of ignorantly wisemen dabbling into ungrateful quarters that they shouldn’t veer into.
The word Christmas, is from to words with meaning
Christos..and mass(Latin) means celebration
The two coming together form Christmas meaning Christ celebration, so to celebrate the one who came to the world to safe and redeemed us from the slavery of sin.And to appreciate the Divine love of God shown towards us all.so as Christian it’s mandatory to celebrate our king of kings and prince of peace.
The word Christmas, is from to words
Christos..and mass(Latin) means celebration
The two coming together form Christmas meaning Christ celebration, so to celebrate the one who came to the world to safe and redeemed us from the slavery of sin.Also to appreciate the Divine love of God shown towards us all.so as Christian it’s mandatory to celebrate our king of kings and prince of peace.
I see no reason why we should be making issues out of nothing, both clergy are right olukoya is right because even during the first church by apostle, Jesus birthday was not celebrated, they only celebrate pass over, the one we now called lords supper and Jesus made it clear that it should be celebrated in his remembrance, which I believe is far better than the Christmas in question, and as for the Bishop response with all due respect, you are entitled to your opinion and others are entitle to their own opinions too, the Bishop is absolutely right if he and other chose to celebrate Jesus birthday on DEC 25 because they want to use it to appreciate God for sending his son to the world, its okay, none of you is wrong, olukoya is right and the Bishop is right, but the Bishop got it wrong insulting other men of God, baba adeboye said lords supper should be eating in the night, he is right and its biblical, but you can chose to do your own in the morning or afternoon, its the conviction of what you are doing that is important, the motive behind your action, since its done in obedient to the lord, as for me I don’t celebrate DEC 25 but I am not against anyone doing it because we are all entitled to our own opinions, since either celebrating it nor not celebrating it is a sin, everything is all to the glory of God. Romans 14:1-10
[1]Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
[2]For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables.
[3]Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
[4]Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.
[5]In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.
[6]Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.
[7]For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.
[8]If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
[9]Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
[10]So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
This is apt……..
This is the only person who has said something meaningful in all these conversations. I salute you.
God bless you.
If we are not celebrating Christ on a special day as ‘Christmas Day,’ why do we celebrate ‘Cross-Over’ night on December 31? Is this Biblical?
Christianity is not a confused religion. You and I are the ones confused. If I may ask you, are you aware that pastors are being celebrated with expensive gifts from church members? Are you also aware that the only two things Jesus commanded the christians to do is to preach the gospel and observe holy communion? Why do you celebrate Easter which the date is fixed according to the Jewish unleavened festival. Why do you go to church on Sunday? Did Sabbath fall on Sunday? MFM celebrates cross over night. Did God ask him to celebrate cross over night? He celebrates his birthday: Did God ask him to celebrate his birthday? God is just laughing at us for our foolishness and lack of understanding.
I want to react to Felix James position on this matter, you are standing on the ground that because olukoya is does not belong to Orthodox Church make his opinion of Christmas valid, l want to tell you that you are very wrong, you sounds as if you are not a follower of Christ,but a follower of a pastor and church denomination,the problem with the opinion of olukoya on Christmas is that it lacks theological and Ecclesiastical backing, pls don’t be decieved the stand of olukoya is very wrong, and is highly heretical, he should try to have more theological training and Bible interpretation.
I advice all so called pentecostal Church leaders to read and digest the bible properly and follow church history so that they will not continue to mislead the lazy ones following them sheepishly. If you are part of the euphoria going on presently as pentecostalism, save yourself from deceit by seeking to know the truth which will set you free. Everything is not politics please. Don’t be lazy or hang your faith on whatever someone says just because he or she is your pastor without verification biblically. Thank you.
Our Christians faith is based on Christ birth, Christ dead, Christ burial & Christ’s resurrection
The basis of Christian believe should based on the birth of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. It doesn’t matter whether we are able to ascertain the actual date at which all these event happened. If we claim not to believe in the period that other people choose to celebrate Christ and we said we believe in His birth, death and resurrection. The question is that which period do they want to choose to celebrate Him.
*CHRIST BIRTH IS WITH US & SHOULD DWELL IN US ALL DAY LONG*
Which ever date is chosen to be Christ day (date of His birth), is OK. The real deal is, who do we pay allegiance to? How worthy & significance is His birth to us? The date of his birth has not yet been proved which day/date it is exactly, but the season around which it happened. Anyway, that doesn’t mean we should bow to the world ridiculing us by stating Christmas as a day of Pagan worship or idolatry, & that we lied to God by selecting a day for The Prophet’s ( _The Prophet of all the Prophets_ ) day / date of birth. The fact that we worship God on the so-called pagans day of worship, doesn’t mean in any way make us idol worshippers.
Man can set a day for himself selfishly for his or her birthdays even when he/she doesn’t know when he / she was born, but he / she will antagonize the day God set for himself or the brethren chose to immortalize God’s wonderful wonders / work.
*Note* God created all the days (7 days) according to the creation genealogy. That is, all the days are of God not of pagans (nor created by the devil). All the days or a day/date can be chosen to worship GOD and acknowledged His creation & the Majesty of His Almightiness.
*GROWING UP*
From childhood to teenage, I grew up with the thoughts of Christmas from 25th Dec. to January (at least 7 days communion with God, the brethren & neighbours).
Whatever they choose to say about Christmas, they have a problem. You/we do not have a problem with that because unto God we pay allegiance, & give Him adoration for the gift of His son, Jesus.
*Note*
we must remain adamant & committed to our belief system under God because fierce persecution and opposition to anything Christianity is on & ahead in addition to what we are experiencing.
? ? As we keep reflecting on Christ’s birth which ushered in the redemption of mankind, I pray you that the power of Jesus birth, incarnation & the awakening power of His manifestation keep enlightening you, & protect you all the days of your life with your family too. May it also bring life & light to our lost & dying world. More of God’s blessing + favour to you. We have overcome the world and all its satanic manipulation in Jesus name.
_Christmas is the process of mankind appreciating & extending the love of God to human fraternity globally_
Christmas is specially a Mass (worship/service/communion/praise, & other act of love to God & humanity) for Jesus Christ. Not the other way that many are hypocritically celebrating it today.
Happy Christmass (Christmas), & prosperous new year ahead.
My regard to your family.
Good afternoon.
Let’s be careful of all these new churches here and there, because I don’t think they know what they are saying and doing. Why will u tell me it is not biblical and a sin to celebrate Christmas. Fine it is not, agreed. The essence of celebrating Christmas as christains is not just dine and wine but to know the greatest gift of God to man, and how the whole thing happened. 25Dec is not the day Jesus was born. But the date was actually chosen to celebrate the birth and the coming of Christ in the first place. So let’s ignore the fact of Christmas is idolatry or not and focus on God, how we will make eternity and reing with Christ at the end. Religion, denomination and all of that can’t help us. It is only Jesus Christ that can only give us true Life. Nigeria is highly religious and also criminally minded. Peace of God be with us all Amen.
CHRIST BIRTH IS WITH US & SHOULD DWELL IN US ALL DAY LONG*
Which ever date is chosen to be Christ day (date of His birth), is OK. The real deal is, who do we pay allegiance to? How worthy & significance is His birth to us? The date of his birth has not yet been proved which day/date it is exactly, but the season around which it happened. Anyway, that doesn’t mean we should bow to the world ridiculing us by stating Christmas as a day of Pagan worship or idolatry, & that we lied to God by selecting a day for The Prophet’s ( _The Prophet of all the Prophets_ ) day / date of birth. The fact that we worship God on the so-called pagans day of worship, doesn’t mean in any way make us idol worshippers.
Man can set a day for himself selfishly for his or her birthdays even when he/she doesn’t know when he / she was born, but he / she will antagonize the day God set for himself or the brethren chose to immortalize God’s wonderful wonders / work.
*Note* God created all the days (7 days) according to the creation genealogy. That is, all the days are of God not of pagans (nor created by the devil). All the days or a day/date can be chosen to worship GOD and acknowledged His creation & the Majesty of His Almightiness.
*GROWING UP*
From childhood to teenage, I grew up with the thoughts of Christmas from 25th Dec. to January (at least 7 days communion with God, the brethren & neighbours).
Whatever they choose to say about Christmas, they have a problem. You/we do not have a problem with that because unto God we pay allegiance, & give Him adoration for the gift of His son, Jesus.
*Note*
we must remain adamant & committed to our belief system under God because fierce persecution and opposition to anything Christianity is on & ahead in addition to what we are experiencing.
? ? As we keep reflecting on Christ’s birth which ushered in the redemption of mankind, I pray you that the power of Jesus birth, incarnation & the awakening power of His manifestation keep enlightening you, & protect you all the days of your life with your family too. May it also bring life & light to our lost & dying world. More of God’s blessing + favour to you. We have overcome the world and all its satanic manipulation in Jesus name.
_Christmas is the process of mankind appreciating & extending the love of God to human fraternity globally_
Christmas is specially a Mass (worship/service/communion/praise, & other act of love to God & humanity) for Jesus Christ. Not the other way that many are hypocritically celebrating it today.
Happy Christmass (Christmas), & prosperous new year ahead.
My regard to your family.
Good afternoon.
– Samaila Yunusa DanMairo
If have seen this, I wouldn’t have written anything. Superb. It’s all about the reward in it now not the message to humanity anymore like our country Nigeria.
Unfortunately, I am scared the level if which Christmas is being celebrated now, which has really destroyed the purpose if the birth of our Lord Jesus. Let’s all think about it. Christmas is now being commercialized and bring so much pains to families in contrary to what it should be. Christian, let’s return to the old time religion when it’s all about simplicity and love and justice which is the main purpose why our Lord Christ is given to us
You cannot believe in Christ without believing in Christmas, because Christmas is when and how Christ came to us. When we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating Christ.
You cannot believe in Christ without believing in Christmas, because Christmas is when and how Christ came to us. When we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating Christ.
Baba Olukoya, please don’t make a mockery of the Christian religion. The word of God says to celebrate man…Jesus who came in form of flesh and dwell among men.
Baba , please don’t bring disunity among st the christians.
My dear Felix, the Bishop’s assertions should rest all the unlearned and unschooled arguments against the celebration of Christmas. Christmas is merely a remembrance of God coming in the flesh to save man .May we brethren please stop advertising Biblical illiteracy.
Its hurting that all these are coming up from a reknown clergy when the Gospel is at a severe persecution. In my Opinion,this shouldn’t be a concern to us but how we can sustain the GOSPEL rather than arguing on matters that will rather put sinners away or far from the CROSS. Dr Olukoya should had traded with caution less the Ambiguity of this statement lead many astray. My submission!
Will the celebration of Christmas take me to hell? If the answer is no, then I will continue to do that.
Let us not forget the point and sacrifice of the early CHURCH,
at there time, there was a pagan practice on 25 of December of every year. The Christians at that time still partake on the celebration and the early CHURCH fixed Christmas on that day.
Now my question is
Who still celebrates the pagan practice?
Christmas and the Pagan celebration, which one is more celebration now?
Let us please wise up