Pastor William Kumuyi, the founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church, has once again publicly clarified his ministry's longstanding position of not observing Christmas. In a video address to congregants on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the renowned holiness preacher firmly stated that the church has never and will never celebrate the festive season due to its historical connections to idolatry.
December Retreats Replace Festive Celebrations
Kumuyi emphasized that the church's annual December gathering is intentionally distinct from Christmas festivities. He described it as a spiritual retreat designed for members to reconnect with God during the holiday period. "Since this ministry started, we have never said we are going to a Christmas retreat. Never. We don't celebrate Christmas," the pastor declared in the video, which was cited by Legit.ng.
He further explained that the church does not engage in traditional Christmas activities like singing carols. Instead, the focus of the December retreat is on devotion, prayer, and expressing love. "We always call it a December retreat, a time for those gathering together because of the holiday period to reconnect ourselves to the Lord, to give everything we have, and to love more," Kumuyi stated.
A Warning Against "Idolatry of Mystery Babylon"
The cleric issued a strong warning against introducing what he termed foreign customs into the church's practice. He specifically referred to Christmas traditions as "the idolatry of mystery Babylon." Kumuyi urged the church's global membership to remain steadfast in the ministry's teachings and to avoid adopting these secular practices.
"When you find any section of the church where anyone wants to introduce the idolatry of mystery Babylon that is called Christmas… we do not allow it," he asserted. This stance underscores the church's commitment to maintaining doctrinal purity and distancing itself from celebrations it views as having pagan roots.
Prioritizing Spiritual Devotion Over Worldly Festivities
Pastor Kumuyi concluded by highlighting the church's core priority: spiritual growth over secular merriment. He contrasted the ministry's approach with common Christmas celebrations, which often involve drinking and general revelry. He described these as worldly influences that true believers should consciously avoid.
The Deeper Life Bible Church, which has a significant presence across Nigeria and in many countries worldwide, continues to hold its annual December retreats. These gatherings are focused exclusively on prayer, Bible study, and spiritual enrichment, reinforcing the church's identity as a holiness movement separate from mainstream seasonal traditions.
