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As the world becomes more focused on its sea of troubles it is easy to believe the fracture lines between peoples are inevitably etched deeply on our future.

The world into which Jesus was born had this same heavy weight of foreboding. His own people, the Jews, chafed under the heel of the Roman Empire, and his family knew displacement and exile.

Christmas celebrates God’s action in human affairs to give a different future, one of peace, reconciliation and hope.

Christians understand that the birth of Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s promise to renew our relationship with him. Even at his birth Jesus serves to unify many of these deeply etched identities in the ancient world, be they poor shepherds watching their flocks or oriental monarchs.

Christmas tells us about the unfolding of God’s promise then and now. It tells us about the direction of God’s working amongst people. And it challenges our imaginations as we look at the world.

Australians of every background can find good reason to be dismayed about contemporary events near and far. Conflict is part of the human condition. But Jesus’ birth points us all to a different reality. His birth reveals a power to change and transform that is greater than ourselves.

The baby of Bethlehem remains the glory of God’s people and a light to enlighten all those who live apart from God. He is the one sent from God to change human existence one person at a time and for all of us together.

Have a blessed celebration of Jesus’ birth and may your Christmas bring you the knowledge of his love and peace.

To view the Christmas message, visit www.melbourneanglican.org.au/christmas

The Anglican Primate of Australia speaks on the Sydney hostage tragedy

December 16, 2014 by John Sanderson

HOW DID HE HAVE A GUN?

A statement by the Anglican Primate of Australia, Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier

Anglicans, like all Australians, share the shock and grief at the tragedy that unfolded yesterday and this morning at the Lindt Chocolat Café in Martin Place, Sydney.

Such an event makes everyone feel a little less safe as we go about our daily activities. It is important now that we value and build community harmony as we all struggle to come to terms with the siege, and the death of two hostages and the hostage-taker.

One question we hope the authorities will address at the appropriate time is how Man Haron Monis came to have a gun. He was known to the police, was on bail on charges of being an accessory to the murder of his wife and on 40 counts of sexual assault, and had threatened the families of Australian soldiers killed on active service. Did he acquire the firearm legally? Is it time to re-examine our firearm regulations and their enforcement?

It is certainly time for a renewed effort to make Australian society free of gun violence.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were caught up in this appalling incident.

The Most Revd. Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Primate of Australia and Archbishop of Melbourne