President Marie-Louise Coliero Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil and Apostolic Administrator Bishop Charles Scicluna delivered messages of unity at the Milied Flimkien event this evening.

The annual event was held in the courtyard of the Grand Master’s Palace and was televised on TVM.

On the occasion, Ms Coleiro Preca said that she wishes that the spirit of Christmas is celebrated throughout the year, referring to the messages conveyed by the rest of the leaders, that of unity.

“We should work on bringing about unity every day,” she said.

Ms Coleiro Preca said that as parents, we should continue to show love towards our children and continue to build on our values which were passed on to us by our ancestors. She said that one will always encounter challenges, but if one has support from others, he or she won’t be swept away by the waves.

She also pointed out that we all should think of our brothers and sisters who haven’t enough money to live a basic life.

Dr Busuttil said “today 100 years ago, the first world war was taking place – a war which saw millions of people die.

“But as soon as Christmas Day was approaching, the Germans and British troops were in Belgium at the time and stopped to celebrate Christmas Day together, despite the fact that they were trying to kill each other a few hours before. They played football together and ate and drank together on the day.

“And this shows that even during such times, people want the basic thing, to live in peace. What happened 100 years ago was a symbol of peace, although it was not enough since other wars followed but we now have a united Europe.

“We brought unity and peace in our country; we have together celebrated a number of historical moments together; we have managed to celebrate such moments together, despite the fact that we are not all of the same opinion,” he said.

Mgr Scicluna said it is a privilege for him to address the country during such a season where the whole family celebrates Christmas together.

Families at times have difficult moments, he said, but one has to ensure that Christmas “lightens us up”.

Christmas, he said, should be an occasion to remember God, if we would have forgotten him at some point in time.

He said that many people, including Christians, are having to flee their homes due to terroristic groups who are trying to take over their home country. He said we have to keep these people in our prayers.

Dr Muscat said that this is one of the occasions when we can really be happy since all the leaders have one message to convey, that of unity.

He said it is good to think of persons who are marginalised in or society. Dr Muscat said that it is vital we raise issues which are affecting such people and to look at everyone as a human being.

Dr Muscat said that it is vital children are not kept at detention centres and it is good to see that we are all of the same opinion that children should be given their dignity.

He said that we have another challenge to tackle and discuss as one nation, the fact that migrants are locked up in detention centres.

He urged the nation to support Ms Coleiro Preca, who he believes will follow the steps of her predecessors, in her walk to support the needy.