This festive miniature painting captures the quiet beauty of Christmastime through a single glowing ornament inscribed with the word “hope.” Surrounded by evergreen branches and soft holiday lights, the image reflects the promise at the heart of the season: that true and lasting hope has come into the world through Jesus Christ.
Inspired by Romans 15:13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” — this piece invites the viewer to pause and remember that hope is not merely a feeling, but a Person.
In my favorite Christmas Carol, O Holy Night, one of the lyric reads “A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices.” The coming of Jesus is our Thrill of Hope, a Hope that will never be put to shame, a Hope that we have full confidence will come to full realization at His second coming. May we rejoice in the thrill of that hope this Christmas season!
The warm glow of the ornament symbolizes the joy, peace, and assurance that Christ brings, even in the midst of winter’s darkness. Whether displayed during the holiday season or cherished year-round, A Thrill of Hope serves as a reminder that the light of Christ shines brightly, filling our hearts with a hope that never fades.