Millions of Christians around the globe find themselves celebrating Christmas in silence or fear, facing persecution in some of the most dangerous regions for their faith. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, the realities of Christmas for these believers vary widely, from oppressive regimes that suppress traditional celebrations to violent threats from extremist groups.
In North Korea, Christians live under stringent government control. Instead of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, North Korean Christians often observe the birthday of Kim Il-sung’s wife, Kim Jong-suk. Timothy Cho, a North Korean escapee, described Christmas Eve as a time for singing state-sanctioned carols and placing flowers on her grave. If caught celebrating Christmas, individuals risk severe repercussions, including imprisonment, torture, or even execution for entire families. Cho noted that while some brave Christians attempt to whisper hymns or read the Bible in secret, much of their faith remains concealed in their hearts.
The situation for Christians in North Korea worsened with the introduction of a law in December 2020, which targeted what the government deemed “anti-state superstitions.” This law criminalizes the possession and distribution of religious materials, putting an estimated 400,000 secret Christians at heightened risk. Reports indicate that in one instance, Persecution.org noted that 70 North Korean Christians disappeared from prison under mysterious circumstances.
Across the border in China, ethnic Korean Christians in Yanbian provide crucial support for North Korean refugees seeking shelter and aid. Many of these individuals have fled their homeland to escape starvation and oppression, risking their lives to embrace their faith.
In Somalia, the situation is equally dire. Open Doors estimates that the number of Christians in the country is only in the hundreds. The imposition of Sharia law by the militant group al-Shabab has left believers vulnerable and isolated. Christmas and New Year celebrations are officially banned, with local leaders stating that such festivities could undermine the Muslim community’s faith. One local Christian leader expressed the weight of this ban, highlighting the severe consequences for any gatherings that could attract government scrutiny.
Officials reiterated this ban in 2024, issuing warnings through state media. The atmosphere for Christians in Somalia is fraught with fear, as even the suggestion of celebrating can lead to imprisonment or worse.
In Libya, Christmas and New Year celebrations faced severe crackdowns in 2021. The government confiscated decorations, and local police shut down businesses selling seasonal items. Reports indicated that expatriate Arab Christians and Libyans were arrested during New Year’s celebrations in 2022, reflecting the ongoing hostility towards public displays of faith.
The situation in Sudan shifted dramatically after a coup and the onset of devastating conflict. Although there was a glimmer of hope for religious minorities before the upheaval, Christians now find themselves in precarious positions, targeted by radical Islamist groups. Displaced by war and facing severe hunger, many Sudanese Christians have been barred from holding Christmas celebrations, even after securing verbal permissions.
Churches have become targets amid the violence, with reports of airstrikes and arson. In December 2024, a Baptist church was struck by the Sudanese Air Force just days before Christmas, and another church was attacked during a prayer service, injuring 14 people and forcing 177 congregants to flee. According to Brad Phillips, President of the Persecution Project, around 300 children die each day due to famine exacerbated by the conflict.
Phillips emphasized the importance of remembering those who cannot celebrate openly. “As we gather to celebrate the greatest gift of all — the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — remember that there are unseen members of your family still present with you in spirit,” he concluded.
As Christians in these regions navigate the complexities of faith under threat, their resilience stands as a testament to their unwavering belief in the spirit of Christmas, even in the face of adversity.