Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spent part of his Christmas Day waiting on the homeless, after urging Australians to reach out to those having a difficult time.
Mr Turnbull and wife Lucy helped out at Sydney's Wayside Chapel lunch on Sunday, where his presence caused a stir and selfies among the up to 1000-strong Kings Cross crowd.
He described the day as a celebration of Christ and his "message of unconditional love and sacrifice", before joining volunteers to serve entrees to the hungry crowd.
Mr Turnbull urged Australians to think about the lonely, poor and sick who might be finding the day difficult.
"In Australia, we have much to be grateful for, not least that so many people of so many different backgrounds, races and religions live together here in a harmony founded on mutual respect," he said in a Christmas message released earlier on Sunday.
Mr Turnbull also remembered emergency service workers on duty on Sunday and armed forces personnel based overseas, reassuring them they were in the nation's thoughts.
"This Christmas many of you will be far from family and home, but you will be closest of all in our thoughts and in our hearts," he said.
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also remembered defence forces and emergency workers.
"And Christmas is also a time for us to spare a thought for the people who are doing it tough," he said on Sunday in a Christmas video message, alongside his wife Chloe.
"We're so lucky that many Australians will roll up their sleeves to provide hot meals, secure accommodation and a little bit of Christmas cheer in hard times."
Mr Shorten is now on leave until mid-January.
"From our family to yours, Merry Christmas," he said.
Mr Turnbull, who was planning a "warm, friendly family" Christmas with ham and seafood, wished Australians a 2017 filled with peace, happiness.
"From Lucy and me, and our family, to you and yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas, and a relaxing and safe holiday."
