When reading the theme for this year's contest (Gift Wrap This), I naturally began to think about those gifts which are most important in life and which usually cannot be sealed behind colorful paper. We most often think about the coming together of friends and family over the holidays. Truly this time together is priceless and is a big part of the "Joy" associated with the Christmas Holidays. However, what would be the most important gift ever? What is that one gift that everyone not only wants, but so desperately needs in the depths of their souls? There is only one answer for that - Jesus. This most perfect and awesome gift was given, not to just one man, but to all. Not only that, it wasn't a gift given from one person to another, but a gift given directly from the only true God. There could be no better gift. Initially this gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes. I could have created an image of this: That is, the manger scene (which was part of the plan, but I didn't have time to include it); however, that only symbolizes the beginning of the miracle: it's like having one side of the wrapping paper torn away. I chose instead to create an image of the cross because it is at this moment that Jesus fulfills His destiny. Jesus was born into a life of hardship and misery: his own people sought to destroy Him, and his very friends deserted Him when He needed them most. However, despite the wicked nature of man, Jesus willing chose to allow himself to be crucified for our sins. Originally wrapped in swaddling clothes, we stripped Him of His clothes, beat Him, mocked Him, and finally nailed Him to a cross to die like a criminal. Yet, through death, Jesus conquered death. His atonement for our sins was the final, perfect sacrifice. There could be no greater gift to the world than a reconciliation with God. Now this most wonderful of wonderful gifts can only be wrapped in the hearts and minds of those who love Him. Praise be to God! I created this image in DazStudio 4.6 and CS5. The whole image took about a day to complete (though this was spread over a series of days). I had grand plans of making more of this, but with my busy life and the closing of the contest I had to go ahead and submit. I hope that you enjoy this image (whether it wins anything or not). My hope is that it causes you to remember that while it's nice to get caught up in the family, the goodies, the presents, and the holiday spirit, the real meaning of Christmas is that God sent Jesus into this world so that through Him, we could all be reconciled back to God.