‘Anointed in Hope’ Print

In this limited edition print is a sacred moment of preparation, where hope is nurtured and offered as a gift.

Medium: Museum Archival Inks on Hahnemühle Rag Fine Art Paper

Dimensions: Each print is a museum-quality archival ink replica, presented on fine art paper with an elegant white border that includes the title, signature, and print number. Available in 8×10, 11×14, and 17×22 sizes.

Artist’s Note:

“Anointed in Hope captures a quiet yet powerful act of devotion, where Mary Magdalene anoints Christ, preparing Him for His journey of ultimate sacrifice and redemption. Mary Magdalene holds a place of honor and reverence; she embodies unwavering faith, courage, and dedication. Her act of anointing is more than a gesture—it is a divine preparation, a nurturing of hope as Christ steps into His role as the Hope of the world.

This piece reminds us that hope often begins in the unseen, sacred moments of preparation. Mary’s anointing is a call for us to nurture hope in our lives, trusting in the flow of Christ’s love and grace. Though this work does not feature the wings, water, or flowers common in my Meditations on Hope series, it carries hope in the theme of ‘flow’ deeply. Through her anointing, Mary reminds us that hope flows quietly through acts of love and faith, preparing us for the miracles ahead. I hope this artwork serves as a gentle reminder to find strength in those quiet moments of preparation, trusting that hope and healing will follow.”

Anointed in Hope

Before the dawn, there is the balm,
Anointing hope with quiet calm.
Hands that pour and hearts that know—
In gentle grace, the blessings flow.

Mary’s hands, a soft caress,
Prepare Him now with tenderness.
With sacred oil and steady art,
She pours out hope, she pours her heart.

The oil runs down, a holy stream,
Trusting in God’s redeeming dream.
In simple touch, love’s voice is heard,
In silent faith, without a word.

Not wings nor water, bloom nor rain,
But hope that soothes and heals the pain.
A quiet gift, a gentle prayer,
Anointing life with tender care.

In every act, small seeds are sown,
And hope, like rivers, moves unknown.
Through sacred work and love’s embrace,
We find the holy in this place.

For Mary’s gift, pure and unspoken,
Is hope made real, a vow unbroken.
And in her touch, a truth we see—
Hope flows, preparing you and me.

— Emily Shay

May this piece be a reminder that hope is often a quiet, steady stream, moving through acts of love and faith, preparing us for the journey ahead. Just as Mary’s touch anointed Christ, may we anoint our own lives with hope, trusting in the sacred flow that carries us.