Archbishop: There is no golden age

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Dr Rowan Williams used his Christmas sermon at Canterbury Cathedral to say that one of the lessons of the coming of Christ is that he arrived in an unexpected way and did not meet the expectations that he would usher in a golden age.

He said: "The gospel tells us something hard to hear - that there is not going to be a single charismatic leader or a dedicated political campaign or a war to end all wars that will bring the golden age.

"It tells us that history will end when God decides, not when we think we have sorted all our problems out; that we cannot turn the kingdoms of this world into the kingdom of God and his anointed; that we cannot reverse what has happened and restore a golden age."

Dr Williams also highlighted the importance of "small and local gestures" to show compassion and hope.

He drew particular attention to two projects - one bringing together families of victims of violence in the Holy Land and a community theatre project in Zimbabwe.

The Archbishop also said that the Christmas message should prompt people to become aware of the difference they can make in the middle of economic recession.

He added: "In the months ahead it will mean in our own country asking repeatedly what is asked of us locally, to care for those who bear the heaviest burdens in the wake of our economic crisis - without waiting for the magical solution, let alone the return of the good times."