I chose the story of the shepherds receiving the news about the birth of Jesus as it brought hope not only to them but also to all of creation. The angel’s announcement certainly got the attention of the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night. But it was something else that sent them hurrying toward a manger in Bethlehem. It was HOPE. After hearing the good news, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed. After the shepherds witnessed the birth of Jesus, they returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Their lives were changed. Similarly, we have hope of a renewed relationship with God and a hope of eternal life through Jesus’ birth.
You may also like
No matter how great the storm is, there is always hope when we are together.
The look in the old man’s eyes has hope even as he reminisces a life lived long and well. It reminded me of my Sunday school lessons about long life. The intention of this piece is to capture the inner feelings of the subject in a loose carefree style rather than the finesse of portrait drawings.
My painting is in semi-abstract form. It shows briefly the 3 aspects of a Christian life. On the bottom right hand corner of the picture, it depicts pre-believers as represented by the colours of sin (i.e. evil, wickedness, disbelief, greed). There are also believers who are led astray by the evil one. However, 1 John 1:9 clearly gives the hope and promise of God’s forgiveness. The centre of my painting is painted in green which represents salvation, repentance, restoration, growth, and most importantly, faith. The musical notes, the opened door to receive pre-believers, the crucifix, the bible, the open palms are icons of joy, eternity, God’s Word and faith. Lastly, the Dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit and also represents God and His Unconditional Love. His Heart which I have painted in yellow indicates the supreme power of God, His blessings, His promises and hope as recorded in the Bible.
“As I sit I see a dove and think of our deep, dear true love”. Let your sighting of a dove remind you to reconnect with the spiritual aspect of your life; accept it as a blessing of Promise, Love and Hope.