2009 Christmas Message

Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney Media Release

2009 Christmas Message Archbishop Dr Peter Jensen

Leadership is crucial

The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, has referred to the recent political leadership issues in delivering his annual Christmas message.

The head of Australia's largest Anglican diocese says although Australians are tough on their leaders, they should also be prepared to forgive.

"It is no surprise that human beings long for a good leader. We even worship leaders who can promise us the earth."

Dr Jensen believes leadership can be a "powerful force for good" and says "At Christmas time we celebrate the birth of the greatest of all leaders, Jesus Christ."

In concluding his brief message, Archbishop Jensen says, "No wonder Christmas is a time of immense joy. Whoever you are, wherever you are, Jesus is the one who is for you. He puts all other leaders into the shade. You can trust him with your whole life."

For more information call Archbishop's Media Adviser, Russell Powell on 0411 692 499

Full text of Christmas Message Below " and available on video 

2009 Christmas Message

For various reasons we have been talking a lot about leadership in Australia recently, particularly political leadership. We're pretty tough on our leaders, aren't we? I suppose it's right to hold them to the highest levels of accountability but we also ought to be prepared to forgive, because leadership is tough.
Finding and keeping a good leader is integral to human success in so many enterprises. When you have a good leader and you trust that person, a very powerful force for good is set up.
It is no surprise that human beings long for a good leader. We even worship leaders who can promise us the earth.
The greatest enterprise of all is simply being human, of making a success of being a human being. Unfortunately, there is something in all of us which tarnishes our best efforts and even corrupts what we do. The Bible says that we fall short " and our experience confirms this again and again. Who can we trust to overcome our failures, to forgive our faults and to lead us in the right way?
At Christmas time we celebrate the birth of the greatest of all leaders, Jesus Christ. His human birth reminds us that he is actually one of us, he belongs to us. His life shows us that he comes from beyond us, that in fact he is the Son of God. He has the sympathy to care for us and the strength to do something about us.
He is the one leader who we can trust and worship. He shows us how to live and how to die and how to face the judgment which we will all face.
No wonder Christmas is a time of immense joy. Whoever you are, wherever you are, Jesus is the one who is for you. He puts all other leaders into the shade. You can trust him with your whole life.

Dr Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney