Pastor St. Jean Warns Against Removing Christ from Christmas

By Val Matthias. Updated 12:14 p.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

At the launch of the Richland Park Nine Mornings activities, Pastor Brent St. Jean delivered a pointed message on the meaning of Christmas, urging Vincentians not to lose sight of its spiritual foundation.  

Referencing recent social media debates about the Nine Mornings opening in Kingstown, Pastor St. Jean noted that some criticized the event for resembling a church service. He cautioned that such reactions reflect how far society has drifted from the true purpose of the season.  

Drawing on the biblical story of Joseph in Egypt, Pastor St. Jean explained that when Joseph’s contributions were forgotten, hardship and slavery followed. He likened this to modern times, warning that when Christ is removed from Christmas, society risks moral decline.  

“We can’t remove Jesus out of Christmas. The day we remove Him is the day society perishes,” he said.  

He pointed to the rise of secular celebrations, excessive drinking, and music that he described as disrespectful to God as evidence of a culture losing its spiritual compass. Pastor St. Jean emphasized that Christmas is rooted in forgiveness, sacrifice, and love, values that must be preserved for families and communities to thrive.  

The Nine Mornings Festival, a unique Vincentian tradition blending cultural and religious observances, continues to be a space where such reflections are shared. Pastor St. Jean’s remarks served as a reminder that beyond the festivities, the season’s meaning rests on the birth of Christ.  

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