Christmas is not cancelled, just different

The latest outbreak of COVID-19, centred on the Northern Beaches, has wrought havoc with Christmas plans but churches have been working frantically to adapt.

"This will be a very different Christmas, but in some ways it will be more thoughtful," said Archbishop Glenn Davies. "Whether people are able to gather in smaller numbers in churches or watch services online at home, the birth of Jesus signals hope for a broken world. Even in the midst of this pandemic, we can give thanks for what we have, we can pray for those on the frontline dealing with COVID-19 and confidently express our trust in God."

The government announcement on Wednesday, 23rd December, reinforced the shutdown on the Northern Beaches but split the area into north and south, with the area north of Narrabeen Bridge still locked down.

"The latest announcement does not change arrangements for our services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because we had already made the decision to go online," said the Rev Bruce Clarke, rector of Manly. "Christmas is not cancelled, just different." Mr Clarke said.

"We are praying for those in the Northern part of the Northern beaches who will be further isolated but most of all we are praying for the spread of COVID to be stopped. We are praying for the Premier, Health officials and frontline health staff working so hard to protect us.

The decision to hold physical services in other parts of Sydney will vary, given the restrictions still in force.

Key restrictions

Maximum capacity is 300 per building, subject to the 4m 2rule, including weddings and funerals.
Masks are strongly recommended for all services of public worship.
No congregational singing permitted indoors.
Up to 5 song leaders permitted indoors, spaced 1.5m from each other and 5m away from the congregation.
Outdoor services may have up to 3,000, but recommended all wear masks
Outdoor singing is permitted, with masks required for those over 12 years.
Masks are strongly recommended for all services of public worship.
No limit on song leaders for outdoor services, suitably spaced.
Gatherings in homes are limited to 10 visitors, except that over the period 24-26 December, any children under 12 years are additional to this number.

The full list of Sydney Anglican livestreamed services is here, listed by suburb.

This will be a very different Christmas, but in some ways it will be more thoughtful. Whether people are able to gather in smaller numbers in churches or watch services online at home, the birth of Jesus signals hope for a broken world.

St Andrew's Cathedral made an early decision to go online for the sake of safety, given how many visitors attend on Christmas morning from all over Sydney and the small numbers allowed under the 4 square metre rule.

The Cathedral will stream Christmas Eve from 7pm