Daily Journal: What are the Ember Months and What Does it Mean for Christians?

By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Usually, when it comes to the latter part of the year, I get reflective and look over the days and months which have passed. I think about the purpose of God on my life and whether I have accomplished what He would want me to do. I notice patterns too and that there is a shift in this season.

Then, when I happened across a message from the wise and power filled, Apostle Joshua Selman. He was talking about ember months. He shared that in this season, according to Nigerian beliefs, people are more spiritually sensitive. Usually, spiritual warfare increases and there tends to be more deaths and mishaps which occur at this time.

One must understand that “Nigerian religious ideologies intersect all major life domains that shape and inform daily experiences, such as culture, politics, economy, education, sports, and agriculture.” So, “these ember months hold special spiritual significance in Nigeria, as they influence people’s experiences and shape events in various ways during the final segment of the year.” For better understanding you can read more here. 

I recently shared a message about what I sensed in this season and will continue sharing resources to help you on your journey as well – Daily Journal: The Lord Wants Us to Focus on Spiritual Warfare.

What Are Ember Months or Days?

In different Christian and cultural traditions, “Ember” can mean two very different things. Understanding the difference helps us respond in faith rather than fear.

“Ember Days” in historic Christian practice

In the Western Church (Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran), Ember Days are quarterly sets of fast-and-prayer days—traditionally the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after: the First Sunday in Lent, Pentecost, Holy Cross Day (Sept 14), and St. Lucy’s Day (Dec 13). These days focused the Church on gratitude for God’s gifts in each season, prayer, and sometimes ordinations.

Ember Days are not commanded in Scripture; they developed as a historic rhythm of thanksgiving, humility, and intercession in the liturgical year.

“Ember months” in popular usage (especially West Africa)

In Nigeria and parts of West Africa, “Ember months” commonly refers to September–December, a period loaded with travel, celebrations, deadlines, and—sadly—anxieties. Public discourse often treats these months as unusually dangerous or spiritually charged. Road-safety agencies regularly counter the superstition, noting that increased crashes track with heavier traffic, fatigue, speeding, and holiday pressures, not with a mystical “season.”

Academic and media discussions show how belief, tradition, and end-of-year busyness have shaped the “Ember months” narrative; some studies even examine whether crashes rise in these months, usually tying any increase to human factors and peak travel.

What the Bible says—and doesn’t say

Scripture never teaches that the last four months of the calendar carry unique “bad luck.” God’s Word calls us to wisdom, watchfulness, and trust in every season:

• “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NKJV)

• “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NKJV)

• “The Lord will go before you… and be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 52:12, NKJV)

So, do not be afraid. We reject fear and fatalism in the mighty name of Jesus. Instead, we embrace wise planning and prayerful dependence—the posture Scripture commends all year long. We lean on God and trust Him in all things. I urge you to discern all things, especially your coming and going. Be prayerful and watchful.

A Christian response to the “Ember months” conversation

Be mindful but reject superstition and choose stewardship. Agencies repeatedly explain that road risk rises with travel volume, fatigue, speed, alcohol, and poor vehicle care—things we can change. So, pray before every journey, and check tires, lights, brakes; avoid night driving and rushing.

Choose to be wise.

Fast and pray as a rhythm, not a panic. If your church keeps Ember Days, observe them as grateful, hope-filled practices of humility and intercession—not as fear-management techniques. 

Finish the year with purpose.

• Review your year with the Lord (Psalm 139:23–24).

• Make peace where needed (Romans 12:18).

• Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:6–8).

• Guard your heart and habits (Proverbs 4:23; Galatians 5:16).

Stand on God’s promises.

• “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV)

• “He shall give His angels charge over you… in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11, NKJV)

Be Encouraged

Beloved, the end of a year often compresses deadlines, travel, and emotions. That pressure is real—but it is not ultimate. The Lord who carried you in March will carry you in December. Walk in peace, plan with wisdom, pray with faith, and expect God’s goodness to follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6).

If you desire a focused spiritual plan for September–December, I encourage weekly communion with the Lord through Scripture (Psalms 27, 91), a simple fast (as health allows), and intentional acts of reconciliation and generosity—habits that align your heart with God’s grace in any month.

Ministry Resources

For practical warfare and end-of-year spiritual focus, get a copy of Spiritual Warfare: Born into Battle and explore prayers and declarations on Revealing the Christian Life Ministry. May the Lord continue to guide us to greater understanding, in Jesus mighty name.

Amen and amen.

Please feel free to drop us a line, using the Prayer Request Contact form and we will pray for you.

---

The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?

Trust God to help you with that first step.

Be encouraged.

Be bold.

Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.

It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.

---

About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.