Mr McConnell said 2005 had been a year of both hope and tragedy

In his festive message, Mr McConnell also reflected on the kindness of people in Scotland in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami when �20m was raised.

He underlined the need for strength in the face of the ongoing terror threat after the London bombings.

Mr McConnell said 2005 had been a mix of hope and international tragedy.

He said: "My own abiding memory of 2005 was my visit to Malawi, and the international attention given to Africa.

It has indeed been a year of international tragedy but the compassion shown by so many made 2005 a year of hope too Jack McConnell

"In Malawi, I was so struck by the enormity of the challenges facing this beautiful country."

Mr McConnell said he saw much that made him proud to be Scottish.

He said : "Individual Scots who had given up their annual holiday to work in health clinics, training Malawi nurses in life-saving techniques."

"I was not surprised when Scots of all ages, and others, supported the Make Poverty History Campaign, and I was delighted when the G8 leaders responded.

'Amazing response'

He added: "As we gather with our families and friends this Christmas, we should remember others."

Mr McConnell said the impact of the tsunami was still felt almost exactly a year on.

He said: "No-one will forget the images from Boxing Day last year of the Asian tsunami, but I will not forget the amazing response of the Scottish people either.

"In the immediate aftermath of this terrible disaster, Scots contributed �20m to help the victims.

"We also remember the victims of the London bombings; and we must continue to stand together against those who terrorise ordinary people and our way of life."

The first minister said his visit to Malawi left a powerful impression

Mr McConnell also reflected on the South Asia earthquake and the hurricanes which hit central America and the US.

He said: "It has indeed been a year of international tragedy but the compassion shown by so many made 2005 a year of hope too."

Scottish National Party Holyrood group leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Scotland a Happy Christmas.

"The story of Christmas is one of peace and love for others, and so I hope we can all have an opportunity at some point in this busy period to reflect on this important message as we spend time with our friends and family."

Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie also wished everyone in Scotland a Merry and Peaceful Christmas.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen said: "I wish to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Scotland a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.