How the CCP Persecutes Christians Who Celebrate Christmas in China
Udumbara
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A Joyous Occasion
For Christians in China, celebrating the birth of Christ is a joyous occasion as well. Chinese Christians attend special church services, which are often overflowing with worshipers. A growing part of the Christmas celebration is attending Christmas Eve services, which feature congregations performing dance and dramatic arts, as well as choral performances such as “Peaceful Evening,” named after the classic Christmas carol, “Silent Night.”Christianity Spreading in China?
Could the popularity of Christmas—and Christianity itself—actually be growing in China?Not according to official statistics, which say that roughly 2 percent of Chinese are practicing Christians. And yet, the state seems determined to stamp Christianity out of existence. Religious laws require that church events be registered, approved, and even monitored by state authorities, especially Christmas services.
Of course, one may ask the question: why all the hassle from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for a religion that a tiny portion of the population believes in?
Perhaps it is because the number of believers in China is much higher than the official report indicates. Perhaps it is because underground Christianity is catching fire in China. The persecution by the state of so-called house churches—unregistered churches that hold services in private homes or other non-church locations—is escalating, a response which indicates a growing threat to the CCP, not a diminishing one.
Christian Persecution Intensifying
One undeniable reality is that the CCP’s persecution of Christians has been going on for decades. But in 2025, state persecution of Christians has ramped up even more than usual. Under Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s “Sinicization” campaign, the CCP has stepped up its efforts to control and diminish the message of Christianity, as well as arresting Christians and closing churches with the full weight of the state across 10 major cities last fall.This persecution by Xi’s CCP features disruptions, surveillance, and even unprecedented mass detentions. Not surprisingly, the arrest of at least 30 prominent pastors, including Jin Mingri, the founder of the Zion Church network, and other Christian leaders in China in October, is part of what many believe is the start of a broader suppression by the Party.
Christianity ‘Undermines Law’?
Official charges against Christian churches, both underground and state-sanctioned, include accusations such as “undermining law” or “inciting subversion,” and are therefore monitored with cameras and even security guards to ensure compliance. In fact, every Christmas, churches are closely monitored by the state. Even at the local level, Christian celebrations are banned or heavily criticized for being “Western” and therefore “non-Chinese.”Persecution Results in More, Not Fewer Christians
The persecution of Christians and Christianity is neither new in China nor in the world.Since Christ’s birth some 2,000 years ago, the powers of this world have sought first to kill the Messiah—which ultimately failed—and later, His followers. Millions, if not hundreds of millions of Christians, have lived and died under all kinds of persecution. Powerful governments and armies have sought to destroy Jesus Christ’s message of grace, forgiveness, and everlasting life, but all have failed to do so. Throughout history, even under the harshest of conditions, or more likely because of them, the church and Christ’s redeeming message have not only endured, but have thrived.
The cadres and functionaries of the CCP may do well to consider these facts and ask themselves how a God whom they say does not exist can bring such comfort and courage to His followers and why Party leaders think they’ll succeed in such a futile and evil endeavor, even though all others have failed.
Most, of course, will not ask themselves such a question. But a few will.
Nonetheless, to all Christians in China, in whatever circumstances you may find yourselves, may the blessings and the serenity of the Messiah’s love keep you steadfast and strong in the face of your oppressors and bring you peace. Furthermore, whether loudly in song or quietly in the heart, may you all rejoice in the birth of the Savior and have a very Merry Christmas.
