The recent Sydney siege, the Cairns tragedy and the death of cricketer Phil Hughes hit Sydney and Australia hard in the lead-up to Christmas, according to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, in his Christmas message.

Dr Davies begins his message by marking the centenary of the famous 'Christmas truce' in the first year of World War One. The event took place 100 years ago today.

"There was for a brief moment - a point in space and time, when peace and joy burst forth amid the horror of warfare." the Archbishop said.

However, the realities of 21st century life hit home close to Christmas.

"In Australia, 2014 has not brought us the turmoil of a world war but we still saw many signs of our broken world, with the strains of discord, hatred and fear. We experienced the pain of loss and the frailty of life, especially young life, which hit us hard."

Dr Davies also referred to the turmoil in the Middle East caused by IS forces and their attacks on Iraqi Christians.

"Even in the cradle of Christianity, we heard of persecution, destruction and the seeming triumph of evil." he said.
 
The Archbishop referred to our crying out in prayer, amid grief and pain.

"At times like this we rush to prayer and we expect God will be listening. Our turning to God in prayer is only possible because of God's own 'Christmas truce'." Dr Davies said.

"God declares his peace for humanity - by giving us Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He walked this earth and knows the frailty of human life. He died and rose to reconcile us to God. We can be confident to call on God, knowing that he hears us, he understands us and he loves us."