Millions of Christians around the globe are facing significant challenges as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas. In several nations, believers practice their faith in silence, secrecy, or under the constant threat of violence. According to the 2025 World Watch List from Open Doors, the persecution of Christians takes various forms, from state suppression in North Korea to violence from Islamic militants in countries like Somalia and Libya.
In North Korea, Christians are forced to forgo traditional Christmas celebrations. Instead, they are mandated to honor the birthday of Kim Il-sung‘s wife, Kim Jong-suk. A North Korean escapee, Timothy Cho, shared with Open Doors that Christmas Eve in his homeland consists of state-sanctioned activities, including singing carols about Kim Jong-suk and watching propaganda. He noted, “If Christians are caught celebrating the birth of Christ, the penalties can extend to their entire family.”
Courageous believers often worship in secret, gathering in small family groups or discreetly meeting with others in public spaces. An Open Doors staff member described the precariousness of these encounters, stating, “A Christian goes and sits on a bench in the park. Another Christian comes and sits next to him. Sometimes it is dangerous even to speak to one another, but they know they are both Christians, and at such a time, this is enough.”
The situation for Christians in North Korea has worsened since the introduction of a law in December 2020, which criminalized the possession and distribution of religious materials. Violators risk severe punishment, including imprisonment or execution. Reports indicate that around 400,000 Christians in North Korea practice their faith in hiding, enduring significant hardships in a country where religious freedom is virtually nonexistent.
The plight of Christians is not limited to North Korea. In Somalia, the situation is similarly dire. Open Doors estimates that the Christian population is only in the hundreds, largely due to the oppressive imposition of Sharia law by the terrorist group al-Shabab. The Somali government has officially banned Christmas celebrations, with Mohamed Kheyrow, the director general of Somalia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, stating in 2015 that such festivities “could damage the faith of the Muslim community.”
A local Christian leader expressed the impact of this ban, saying, “If one of our members were to somehow betray such a gathering, then many of us would face the full demands of the law.” The ongoing repression of Christians in Somalia remains a critical concern, with officials reiterating the ban on Christmas celebrations as recently as 2024.
In Libya, Christmas and New Year celebrations faced a crackdown in 2021. Authorities confiscated Christmas decorations, and local police shut down stores selling seasonal items. Reports from Middle East Concern indicate that expatriate Arab Christians and Libyans were arrested for celebrating New Year’s in 2022, reflecting a broader pattern of religious intolerance.
Sudan presents yet another harrowing example. While there was initial hope for religious minorities following a change in government, a coup and ensuing conflict have put Christians back in peril. The ongoing war has created the world’s largest displacement crisis, making Christians vulnerable to attacks from radical Islamist groups. Reports indicate that Christians displaced by the conflict were barred from holding Christmas celebrations in 2024, despite having received verbal permissions.
Churches have become specific targets in the ongoing violence. In a tragic incident just days before Christmas in 2024, the Sudanese Air Force struck a Baptist church, while Islamic militants have been reported to burn churches amid the chaos. The president of the Persecution Project, Brad Phillips, estimated that 300 children die each day from famine resulting from the ongoing war. He emphasized the importance of remembering those unable to celebrate during this season, stating, “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.”
The realities faced by Christians in some of the world’s most dangerous countries highlight the severe challenges they endure. As many gather to celebrate Christmas, their courage and faith remain a testament to their resilience despite the threats they face.
