THE Catholic and Anglican bishops of Bathurst have both used their Christmas messages this year to pray for rain for drought-stricken communities across their dioceses.
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But Catholic Bishop Michael McKenna and Anglican Bishop Mark Calder also called on parishioners to pray for each other during the difficult times currently facing our region.
Bathurst woke to another smoky day on Christmas morning, a reminder of the terrible bushfires around Lithgow, the Blue Mountains and other parts of the state.
The smoke was also a reminder of another hot, dry year in 2019 and Bishop McKenna's Christmas message to parishioners said it was a time to recognise "the human cost of this, for farmers, families, local enterprises and communities".
"Turning to God, we remember that Jesus has told us to pray for what we want, and to persevere in that prayer," he said.
"We do want rain, and plenty of it, so we should keep praying for that. We also need to pray for one another: and in that prayer seek the wisdom to know how best to be of service to those who are suffering the most from this adversity.
"And, in the midst of our affliction, rejoice in the love of neighbour that is already God's gift."
New Anglican Bishop Calder, who is celebrating his first Christmas in Bathurst, said the season recalled a time when God appeared on earth "as one of us".
Bishop Mark Calder's Christmas message ...
"It's the sure sign that God cares enough about us to turn up, loves so much that he would come and live among us in humility; that he died and rose again so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life if we put him back in control of our lives," Bishop Calder said.
"So despite living in a drought-ravaged land, a land deeply impacted this year by bushfires, we have in Jesus a sure sign that God loves us, cares for us, is with us, is alongside of us, wants to know us, wants to be in relationship with us and promises us a glorious future.
"Friends, have a happy Christmas."
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