Calvary Episcopal Church: Fostering love and respect for all life. Copyright 2011, CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Danvers, MA. All rights reserved. Calvary Celebrates Christmas for the Animals at Perfect Paws Pet Ministry Service, Sunday, December 19 from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Christmas is a time filled with the soul-stirring joy, hope and promise that comes with the birth of Jesus Christ. Among the most abiding and moving symbols of the Holy Night, is the simple purity of the animals gathered round in reverence. World-wide, and in many faith traditions, animals hold a valued place in the story of Christmas. Barn animals make room for Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus in the shelter of their stable. The blessed baby is welcome to rest in a manger meant for their food. Shepherds and their animals come from all over the countryside to bear witness.  Native American lore speaks of deer kneeling on Christmas night in praise of the Great Spirit, and English legend holds that bees gather at midnight, on Christmas Eve, to hum a hymn to the Christ child. At Calvary Episcopal Church, on Sunday, December 19, from 5 to 5:30, animals will have their own special place in the celebration of Christmas, when the Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas offers a Christmas for the Animals service that includes a Holy Eucharist and homily for the humans, and end-of-service treats for the animals. Those who attend are invited to bring photographs of their animal friends to tuck in among the animals that keep watch over the Baby Jesus, in an interactive crèche. Special Christmas music and carols will be offered by Calvary's music director, Bianca De Maria. All faiths and all household animals -- leashed dogs and crated family pets - are welcome to attend the service, which is part of the regular once-monthly Perfect Paws Pet Ministry, held in Calvary's O'Neill Hall. Calvary's Perfect Paws is a ministry to celebrate the love and respect for all of God's creatures. Services are held the third Sunday of every month, from 5 to 5:30. For more information call the Parish Office at 978-774-1150. TM