The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, has highlighted the importance of truth in public life and pointed to the truth of Jesus, in his annual Christmas message.

Citing the Oxford English Dictionary’s choice of ‘post-truth’ as the international word of the year, Dr Davies said the controversy over truth in politics and public life was seen in world developments this year such as the Brexit vote and US election.

“Let’s face it – there is so much ‘post-truth’ around” Dr Davies said. “The rise of social media has been fuelled by people who claim to write the truth – yet there are so many lies and untruths in social media.”

Facebook this year was forced to set up a division to spot ‘fake news’ and warn users.

“In the Bible, God is called the God of truth. The apostle John describes Jesus as ‘the Word become flesh’ who came to earth and lived among us. He said, ‘We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ From politics to personal life, what more do we want for Christmas than people who will tell us the truth?” the Archbishop said.

“There is much in our world which is post-truth – but remember at Christmas time we celebrate the truth of Jesus – the God of truth, who declares ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’.” Dr Davies said

Dr Davies will preach at St Andrew’s Cathedral at 10 am on Christmas Day.

At the Christmas Day service, two choristers, brothers George who is 11 and Charlie aged 9, will sing for the last time with the Cathedral choir before their family leaves for England and they join the choir of King's College Cambridge. This is the first time the world-famous choir has ever accepted a current chorister from Australia.

Carols and church services are being held across Sydney this week and into the Christmas weekend. At the Cathedral, there are a range of services during Christmas week, including Wednesday Dec 21 at 6pm, Thursday Dec 22 at 7pm, and on Christmas Eve at 4pm, 6:30pm, 8pm & 11pm.

For other services at local churches see the church finder database at churchnearyou.com.au