Reason For The Season: Marylanders Celebrate True Meaning Of Christmas
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Many Maryland families celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Christie Ileto explains how many are remembering the reason for the season.
For many Baltimore families, celebrating Christmas starts at church.
"We've always gone to mass on Christmas Day," said Dr. Clifford Belfield.
Dr. Belfield's family and hundreds of others pack Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.
"To mostly commemorate Jesus' birth," Kyla Santos said.
Baby Jesus, for many, is a symbol this holiday season of what is truly important. And for Catholics, this Christmas is especially salient with a new leader of the faith.
Pope Francis delivers his advent message Christmas Day, even taking to Twitter on the 25th, saying: "Christ comes among us at Christmas: it is the perfect time for a personal encounter with the Lord."
"We thought his message was very promising, held a lot of promise and hope for Catholics around the world and all people," said Barbara Carter.
A similar message on Christmas Eve at New Psalmist Baptist Church.
"The message of Christmas is that God gave to us."
Whether you're going to church or just spending time with your family, many people say it's not about what's under the tree, but what's in your heart that matters most.
"Family, tradition and just the customs that we have," said Althea Carter.
"Of course, Christ was born. And peace and love. And the whole secret of life is love. And if you have love for yourself and for other people, then you can make it through this life."
And no matter where you celebrate, Christmas Day is a time to focus on what's really important.
Christmas masses and services were also held on Christmas Eve.
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