Baltimore Families Spend Christmas Sunday At Churches Throughout City
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Families all over Baltimore celebrated Christmas at churches across the city.
Monique Griego has more on what they hope people focus on.
From the sounds of the choir to the holiday traditions and festive colors, everything here rings of Christmas.
"It's all about family, Jesus' birth, celebrating and being thankful," said Kevin Doyle.
At Baltimore's historic Basilica, hundreds of people gathered into pews to celebrate Christmas Day mass and also to remember the birth of Baby Jesus. A nativity scene was only part of the decorations that always seem to get people in the holiday spirit.
"The music in church, the songs, the Christmas carols, everything seems more joyful," Doyle said.
Many people who came to church on Christmas Day say it helps them focus on what the day is really about.
"You gotta concentrate on what's important, all the things you've been given," said Emmanuel Menga.
That same message was being heard at Bethel AME in west Baltimore.
"We offer hope because this is the season when so many people are in despair, despondent or depressed," said Lady Marlaa Reid.
Parishioners of all ages came not only to attend a powerful service but also to watch as new members joined into their faith. Families here hope the tradition and real message of Christmas carries on.
"We try and get out the message of love and life, and it's not so much what's under the tree as what's in your heart," Reid said.
Both churches held several masses Sunday and all were packed with people.
