Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies, in his last Easter message, has spoken of the joy of finally being close at Easter.

“Last year we stayed at home. No church gatherings as extreme social distancing kept us apart,” Dr Davies said. “What a joy it is to be close to one another this Easter. For it is the celebration of God drawing close to us. After all, he sent his son Jesus to live among us.”

Dr Davies has just retired as the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney but gave a final Easter message after almost eight years as leader of the largest Anglican diocese in the country.

“The places where he walked and taught and healed are still there today. Two millennia later, the Bible is the most widely distributed book in history, telling the news of the crucifixion of Jesus and his rising again on the third day.”

“Jesus is the only one who has ever beaten death. Because of that, he opens the door for us to live with him forever.”

Dr Davies urged people to “come near to God as he has drawn near to you. He invites you into his family. Don’t practise social distancing with God – now is the time to turn back to him.”

Read the full message here.