5" Chloe a Harpist and Singer, Nativities #52577

5” Chloe figurine
Chloe gently strummed the strings of her harp, her most treasured possession. Crafted of precious wood and metal, the instrument was the most valuable heirloom passed down through the generations of her family. Tomorrow, Chloe would perform with her favorite cousin, Dinah, at the harvest festival of Shavuot. God blessed Bethlehem with a bountiful harvest this season, and Chloe wanted to play and sing a special song of praise to show her gratitude.

Chloe took a walk in the marketplace; the streets, humming with activity, often inspired her. Today, the market was more crowded than ever with all of the people in town for the festival. Shavuot was held at the end of the harvest season, just before the vineyards were ready for harvesting, so many farmers were able to travel into town to celebrate. Watching the people mill about, Chloe began to sing her favorite psalm in a sweet voice. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,a nd into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

“I knew I heard your beautiful voice,” said Dinah as she hurried down the street towards Chloe. “I fought my way through the crowd to see if an angel had landed from the heavens right in Bethlehem.”

“Oh, Dinah, stop teasing me. You know that my musical ability is a gift from God,” Chloe replied humbly.

“True, your music and my dance will carry praises to the heavens tomorrow,” Dinah said excitedly. The two talked for a bit, and then hugged each other good-bye before they headed home.

The next day, the courtyard was alive with activity when Chloe, Dinah and their families arrived for the celebration. As night set in, the oil lamps were lit and bonfires blazed, casting shadows on the moonlit cypress trees in the courtyard. The crowds sang psalms of thanks to celebrate God’s graciousness. Sometimes one group sang a phrase, and a second group repeated it after them. Chloe laughed with delight as Dinah began to dance, leading the community as they joyfully clapped and danced late into the evening.

After hours of energetic celebration, the sweet strains of Chloe’s harp soothed the tired group. In reverent praise, the people gathered around and joined Chloe’s joyous song. At the end of the evening, Chloe set down her harp and joined hands with Dinah. Together, they prayed, “Thank you, dear Father, for the gift of music and dance that brought so much happiness and community to our loved ones. Let your name be blessed by the talents you have given to us.”