Seasonal & Holidays
Puppy Nativity Returns As Unique Christmas Tradition At Vienna Church
A Vienna church has hosted a Puppy Nativity, drawing families with dogs and even pets like pigs and bearded dragons.
VIENNA, VA — A Vienna church is continuing to leave a paw print on families holiday traditions with the returning Puppy Nativity.
The Puppy Nativity is a spin on the Christian tradition of Christmas nativity scenes — but with puppies. At the event hosted by The Church of the Good Shepherd, families bring their pets to pose in costumes against nativity backdrops. The Rev. Eric Song, who started the Puppy Nativity in his first year as Good Shepherd’s pastor, said the pictures "make great Christmas cards for those who bring their pets to pose at our nativity."
“I love it when people bring other kinds of animals to our nativity,” said Song. “One year we had a pig, and another year we had a bearded dragon. Our community really appreciates this tradition of bringing their pets to celebrate the season. This is our seventh Puppy Nativity, and I'm reminded every year that the original nativity involved many animals.”
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Whether families have a dog or another pet, they can bring their companions to the event on Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. The church provides customer and treats for pets and will take photos.
There will also be a second annual Christmas Market with gifts and handcrafted goods in the church's parking lot through 2 p.m. A children's activity and craft area will also be provided. In the event of inclement weather, the market will be held indoors.
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A bake sale will be held at the event, with proceeds supporting the United Methodist Committee on Relief's Liberia mission to build wells. The church’s youth will be on hand to accept donations for the project as well.
The United Methodist church's other major events during the Christmas season are The Voices of Advent Cantata at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 14, 25-minute Christmas Eve service for children at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Christmas Eve traditional service with Communion and candlelight at 7 p.m. on Dec. 24.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at 2351 Hunter Mill Road in Vienna.
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