WHILE many people in Australia’s cities will be celebrating Christmas in a joyful mood, many others in the bush will have more subdued celebrations, tinged with a spirit of hope.
As wide expanses of the country continue to suffer drought, thoughts this Christmas will turn to taking care of the farm and then perhaps settling down to pray for rain, opening presents and a hot Christmas lunch.
The rural economy is feeling the bite of drought this year, but the optimism of the people of the bush will mean they will celebrate Christmas in their own special way.
The best Christmas gift would be if rain came to bring new life to the parched and dusty landscape.
