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Christmas Eve Mass At Saint Mary's Cathedral Gets Big Turnout

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The faithful all across South Florida gather at churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve.

At St. Mary's in Miami, the archbishop of the Catholic Arch-Diocese of Miami led Christmas Eve mass. Familiar Christmas carols filled the sanctuary at St. Mary's Cathedral tonight.

The smell of incense greeted the largely Spanish speaking and Haitian congregation. The church was nearly at capacity, as Christmas is the busiest and holiest time on the Christian calendar.

CLICK HERE to watch MaryAnn Martinez's report

The Christmas season celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who was later crucified to redeem the world of sin, as Christians believe.

Christians often recount Jesus' birth story, as his humble parents were turned away from several shelters as his mother, Mary, was about to give birth. Finally, a manger served as Jesus birthplace.

Miami's archbishop says his message focused on the Baby Jesus.

"The Christmas message is about God becoming small in order to more easily encounter us, and so he becomes a little child so that we do not have to fear him," said Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami.

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