Christmas in Myanmar

In Myanmar, Christmas is more of a public event as opposed to the traditional family gatherings of the West. The mainline churches celebrate Christmas like the West, but many independent Christian groups and tribal churches celebrate in a great public festival. 

In the tribal setting, mainly in northern Myanmar where I come from, a location is selected where believers from all other villages can come to celebrate. The celebration starts on Friday evening and continues throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, people gather early in the morning for devotions. Then there are two sermons during the day and one evening service. After the evening service, there are concerts and dramas. People depart Monday after devotions and breakfast. Usually a long line of hand shaking and saying good-bye can be seen. Those were the “good old days” that I nostalgically remember during Christmas.

Since our move to lower Myanmar, we have started a different Christmas tradition. The year we arrived, we found that singing carols from house to house attracts both believers and non-believers. Since then, every year we see Christmas as an opportunity to share the gospel with non-believers. This year we went to the other side of Yangon to the orphanage my brother directs. The church youth prepared songs for caroling in the residential area. They sang two songs for us, and we also sang one for them. The youth were then prayed over and released to go out caroling.

Our TCC/MVM group (Tamwe Christian Church and Myanmar Vision Ministries) divided into five groups, and we are going to more than 14 villages to share this season. Marta and I led the team that went to the Lower Myanmar Churches Convention. We then came down to Nay Pyi Daw, the new capital, to celebrate there as well.

On December 25, Tamwe Christian Church will have services throughout the day. Pray for us as we have plans for five short sermons by different ministers. People can come at their convenience. Please pray for God’s message to be heard in the hearts of those who come.


James and Marta Khong, Burmese nationals, minister with NMSI in Myanmar.

Donor Services

Missionary Services