The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have asked people to remember Madeleine and all missing loved ones over the Christmas season.

In a message on the Find Madeleine website, Kate and Gerry McCann thanked supporters for “remaining united with us” as they continue their search for Madeleine.

“It’s Christmas – again. A time of mixed emotions for our family and many others in similar positions around the world. A time to hold together,” they wrote.

Madeleine was just days away from her fourth birthday when she was abducted on May 3, 2007, from the family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve.

The McCanns spoke of their continued “longing and determination” to find Madeleine.

Despite their mixed feelings about Christmas, the Catholic couple said the year had “ended on a positive note” following the launch of the Government’s Missing Children and Adults’ Strategy this month.

The strategy aims to reduce the number of people who go missing and increase support for their families.

“Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign and influenced this significant development,” they wrote.

“This Christmas, please keep Madeleine and all missing loved ones and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

“The support you give enables us to move into 2012 with renewed energy and continued hope.”