Christmas Danger: Christian Persecution Rises in Hostile Nations

Although Christmas is a joyous time for American Christians, it can be perilous for believers in some hostile nations.

“History shows that Christmas Day is a favored target for those intent on harming Christians,” Todd Nettleton, vice president for Message at The Voice of the Martyrs, wrote on TownHall recently. “For those who hate Christians, what better day to demonstrate that hatred than the day Christians celebrate Christ’s birth?”

He cited several recent examples. In 2011, bomb blasts and shootings struck churches in the Nigerian cities of Madalla, Jos, Gadaka and Damaturu during Christmas Day services. Two years later, in Baghdad, three bombings targeting Christians on Christmas Day claimed 38 more lives and wounded 70. In the days leading up to Christmas 2024, 46 people were killed in various attacks across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The timing of these attacks is not random,” Nettleton said. “In many countries, it is tradition for Christians to gather on Christmas morning for a worship service and celebration, creating a target-rich environment for persecutors. Attacks on Christmas are a statement by those opposed to Christians and the spread of the gospel. Their hope, I believe, is to create fear among Christians. By targeting sacred Christian holidays, attackers know they will generate media attention, which in turn creates more fear.”

He suggests several ways to pray for those who may be in danger:

• Pray that believers in hostile or restricted nations will have access to scripture. Pray that Bibles smuggled into closed nations will go unnoticed, and that every Christian who reads or hears God’s word will be strengthened in truth.
• Pray for fellowship. Millions of Christians live where gathering for worship is outright illegal or secretly monitored. Pray for safe meeting places, protection from informants and creative strategies for discipling new believers, including those who live among their persecutors.
• Pray for daily provision. In many places, Christians lose jobs, homes and family support because of their faith in Christ. They must rely on the generosity of other Christians. Pray their needs will be met and that this provision will soften hearts and draw unbelievers to Christ.
• Pray for gospel tools. Fron-line workers need transportation, discipleship materials and courage as they minister to both the receptive and the hostile. Pray for open doors and softened hearts, especially among those who oppose the gospel.
• Finally, pray for comfort. Although Christmas is a time of celebration, persecuted believers often feel the pain of loss more deeply during the season. Many are separated from loved ones by prison walls or mourning family members martyred for their faith.

–Dwight Widaman