During the summer, the farmers of Nazareth were so busy with the harvest that their heads seemed to spin. Just when the grape harvest began to settle down, it was already time to gather the summer fruits and olives.
Dinah, too, was busy. Though her vineyard and olive trees were small, they still needed careful hands. From morning until evening, she worked quietly around the house.
Luke enjoyed learning the blacksmith’s trade, but his whole body ached. The hard labor was nothing like the days he had spent studying at the skola in Troas. His muscles were not yet used to such work.
Each night, sleep rushed over him like a heavy blanket, and he slept deeply until morning.
People in Nazareth began to talk about the hardworking boy. At the well, women whispered kindly about him. Luke’s Greek features seemed handsome to them. When he struggled to speak Hebrew while drawing water, they hurried to help, each one eager to teach him the right words.
Three weeks after Dinah and Luke had returned, the people of Nazareth held a small welcome gathering on the Sabbath.
After the Law was read in the synagogue, everyone brought food and gathered in the courtyard. The elders spoke words of welcome. Harps and flutes began to play.
The women enjoyed dancing most of all. They formed a circle and stepped lightly together. When the playful men tried to join, the women laughed and scattered. The men seemed content enough with their cups of wine.
Joseph the carpenter’s family stood together to sing.
“This song was written by my son, Jesus,” Joseph announced cheerfully. “It is based on Jehovah’s promise in the book of Isaiah. If I sing, I may spoil it, so my wife and children will sing for you. Please listen.”
Mary stood beside Jesus. Between them were two younger brothers and two sisters—six voices in all. Together, they began to sing.
Eyes once dark shall see the light,
Silent ears shall hear,
Tangled tongues shall sing aloud,
Weak feet dance with cheer.
Bent backs shall stand tall and strong,
No more parting by death,
We shall live to see that day—
Forget not His faithful promise.
Water springs from rocky ground,
Flowers bloom in sand,
Joyful cries fill all the earth,
Children leap hand in hand.
Rich the harvest of the land,
Golden fields we reap,
We shall rise and see it all—
Forget not His faithful promise.
Lamb and lion side by side,
Calf and wolf at play,
A little child shall lead them all
On sunlit hills one day.
Sorrow gone and fear no more,
Tears wiped from each face,
We shall see God’s kingdom come—
Forget not His faithful promise.
Mary’s voice and Jesus’ voice rose one after the other, and the children’s harmonies wove around them. The people listened in wonder at the beauty of the song.
Then Dinah and Luke shyly offered to sing a reply they had practiced in secret. Dinah had written it herself.
Their voices floated gently into the sky above Nazareth.
Naomi said, “Go home, my child,
Return to your mother’s house.”
But Ruth replied, “Do not ask me to leave.”
Where you go, I will go,
Where you stay, I will stay.
Your people shall be my people,
Your God shall be my God.
Where you die, there I will die,
And there I shall be laid to rest.
Ruth’s faithfulness is our guide—
May we be the same.
Forget not our God of love,
So gracious and so true.
Their song touched every heart. Dinah, who had once left her hometown and her God, had returned. That alone filled the people with joy.
And there was an unexpected addition to the song.
From inside Luke’s cloak, Theophilus the cat poked out his head—and began to meow along with the melody.
Laughter burst out everywhere.
“Welcome home!”
“We’re so glad you’re back, Dinah!”
“Welcome, Luke!”
“It feels like the Festival of Joy has come early!”
Voices of greeting filled the courtyard.
Mary embraced Dinah warmly.
“Dinah, thank you. Your song was full of heart. To hear your voice again feels like a dream. You must have endured much. There may still be trials ahead—but let us keep our eyes on God’s reward.”
The two old friends held each other tightly.
Jesus turned to Luke.
“Luke, your voice surprised me. It was beautiful. Next time, let’s sing together. I think we could write a fine song—perhaps about friendship. We must thank God for giving us such wonderful friends…”
He placed his hand on his chest and grew still for a moment.
“Jesus! Don’t freeze up again!”
The new friends burst into laughter together.
And under the warm summer sky of Nazareth,
friendship quietly took root. 🌿