Popular Nigerian prophet and clergyman, Pastor Odumeje, has offered fresh perspectives on the meaning and celebration of Christmas, explaining why he does not partake in the conventional ‘Christmas’ festivities as widely practiced.
Speaking in a video that has gone viral on social media platforms, Odumeje provided an elaborate explanation for his distinctive approach to the holiday, emphasizing his personal philosophy and spiritual interpretation of the occasion.
Odumeje Speaks on Christmas
The Anambra-based pastor, who was dressed in festive attire suitable for the season during his church service, clarified to his congregation and viewers online that he does not celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense commonly observed in churches and homes across Nigeria.
He explained that the term “Christmas” often evokes associations with merely performing church masses or rituals, which, according to him, does not capture the full essence of what the holiday should represent spiritually and personally.
Odumeje Explains Christmarity
Instead, Pastor Odumeje introduced a concept he calls “Christmarity,” which he describes as a more holistic and Christ-centered way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He elaborated that Christmarity emphasizes living in a Christlike manner and fully embracing the spiritual and moral principles of Christ in everyday life.
The pastor further emphasized that while Christmas may seem limited to ceremonial acts, Christmarity encompasses joy, reflection, and Christlike behavior that can be observed in one’s conduct, generosity, and interactions with others during the festive season and beyond.
In his own words, Odumeje stated …
“I am not celebrating Christmas, but I am celebrating Christmarity. That is ‘Christly’. That is enjoyment. Christmas is like just doing mass. But Christmarity is everything. It is Christlike. Merry Christmas!”
The video has attracted significant attention on social media, sparking discussions among viewers about the deeper meaning of Christmas and the distinction between traditional celebrations and a more spiritually oriented approach, as promoted by Pastor Odumeje.
Watch the video below …