A wave of race-fuelled hatred has swept through the Sutherland Shire, but local Christians are rising above the violence as they unite to share the spirit of Christmas.

Despite the recent violence across France, CMS Missionary Sandra King says the festive French are determined Strasbourg will remain known as the 'Christmas Capital of Europe, keeping alive a glimmering reminder of the gospel.

Amidst overseas media reports of US 'mega-churches shutting down Sunday services at Christmas, Sydney Anglicans have offered their own explanation for reduced gatherings this year.

A heart for Sydneys underprivileged has given one church in Sydneys north the opportunity to raise its community profile as members demonstrate their 'can-do' attitude this Christmas.

Adoption is an emotive issue. Sara Holloways collection of stories, Family Wanted, represents voices from the central players in any adoption, firstly from children, then birth mothers and finally adoptive parents. There is much that is common between the stories but just as much that is particular to the situation, the era, the country, the family, the reasons behind the adoption or the decision to search for the lost relative.

More than 500 parents and kids have packed St Andrews Cathedral to hear Colin Buchanan and his little helpers trumpet the true meaning of Christmas.

The founding CEO of Sydneys Anglican Youthworks, the Rev Dr Lindsay Stoddart, has been appointed as the new Dean of Hobart.

Next fight youre having about the origins of 'Boxing Day (boxing of presents? or decorations? or just punching each other after all that Christmas-time family tension?), do spare a thought for the loved one of the famous Christmas carol. Because come Boxing Day (which is the carols 'first day of Christmas), this persons troubles are just beginning.