Bishop Nikol Cauchi has issued his last Christmas message before he is succeeded by Mgr Mario Grech, urging the faithful to be kind, charitable and peaceful in their actions.

"At Christmas we celebrate the arrival of Christ among us. He came to build a bridge between God and mankind, between man who is guilty of sin and merciful God who forgives the sins of the repented who go to Him," Bishop Cauchi said.

"I believe that as God forgave us and sympathises with us in our weakness, it is essential that we emulate Him in our relationships with others.

"As Christians we should be ambassadors and instruments of peace. It would be a wonderful thing if during Christmas time everyone were to be in peace and harmony with others by putting aside all spite, arguments and disagreements, which hamper the peace Christ brought to us."

Bishop Cauchi urged people to resolve to improve our relationships with all and to give the hand of peace to people near and far, as evidence that they truly believe in Christ and His teachings. These resolutions must be kept, he added.

Mgr Cauchi cautioned people about prejudices like racism, when one believed that people with different skin colour, language, religion or beliefs did not have the same rights as them.

This is a mistake, Mgr Cauchi warned, as every person had rights which should be respected.

The Bishop called on the faithful to open their hearts to others, to be just in their actions and be charitable during the festive season and in the New Year. Everyone is entitled to our help when in need.