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Gift of Ages
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Published: 2006-12-24 02:56:32 +0000 UTC; Views: 123496; Favourites: 5124; Downloads: 3757
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Description
Gift of Ages is an animation I made in about a week and a half for my church's Christmas program.Ah, there's so much to say about this one, but I somehow feel that explaining it will make it weaker. I should hope that the piece is strong enough to stand on its own without my having to prop it up with words.
And so for some of you I might have ruined Christmas. But to everyone else, I hope you've enjoyed this presentation and that it brings new meaning to the secular symbols we see annually.
Programs used: Flash 8, openCanvas, 3D Studio Max, and Sound Forge. All 3D work was done by my brother Brian (thanks!), and the music is Chopin's Etude in E major Op.10 No.3.
EDIT: I've read all your responses but haven't replied to them all since...there are a lot. Anyhow, in general, I appreciate how much some of you are moved by it, and I'm also impressed with how open-minded the rest of you are in receiving it. Thanks, guys. Merry Christmas.
YouTube Link: [link]
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Comments: 1992
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I know I left a comment on this video a few years ago too, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to say this, but I just wanted to let you know that I have watched this every year for Christmas since you first posted it to deviantart. Thank you so much for sharing it here and not simply letting it be seen only by your church. It is such a humbling look at the Christmas story. You meshed the Santa mythos with the story of Christ so beautifully. I still love what you did with it. I share the youtube link with friends and family every year and love the responses I get from people seeing it for the first time. I'm sure you get loads of comments/favorites on this, but I just wanted to add mine to the pile and say thank you. This animation has become a part of my Christmas tradition.
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All these years since I first saw this video and it still makes me cry. The crescendo, the powerful imagery, it's such a beautiful representation of Christ's love and the true meaning of giving. Thanks again for making this, Johnsu.
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I share this each year. I like it so much.
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Ever since I watched Final Fantasy A+ I always admired you a way. There's something about people who strive to be so pure that is soΒ admirable yet sad. This flash is beautiful yet eerie. The conversion to Santa and praying to the cross thatΒ gives him that warm touch seems so mechanical. AndΒ no matter how famous and jolly people think he may be, he's still alone.
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This is still one of my favorite Christmas videos, I think about it every year and am always showing it to people. Thank you so much for making it and sharing it with us here on DA, I think it is beautiful how you have touched so many people using your talents. Thank you for keeping it posted up in your gallery all these years.
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John- I share this every year, either on Facebook or email, and it is still as beautiful today as it was the first time you posted it.Β Thank you for this...it is moving and beautiful.
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Thanks for sharing it every year!
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Thanks for leaving up to be shared- it is truly one of the beautiful and meaningful pieces of work I have ever had the pleasure to view.Β It is a blessing to be able to share it!
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Oh my gosh..QAQ That was sad and beautiful...Β
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Moved me to tears. Gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing this!
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I just wanted to let you know that I've watched this video every Christmas season for the past few years. It never ceases to touch my heart, to remind me of the gift of our Savior. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!!
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Thank you! I'm glad it continues to serve its purpose even after so long!
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I almost cried when I watched this. It is SO touching. God bless you man.
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This was Beautiful work I give it 5 stars
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I am not Catholic, in fact I'm an atheist but I was very moved by this. This truly is beautiful.
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now im no religious dude but this is just beautiful ;_;
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This is still one of the most simple, yet beutiful and compelling pieces I have seen to this day.
Truly a work of art both symbolically and emotionally. Every Christmas I look this up to remind myself, as well as show it to my family.
Thank you so much~ And Merry Christmas~
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this was................. amazing!! just wow, its the first i've seen it and i couldn't just watch it once
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Your great wor was featured here: [link]
Thank you!
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First time I saw this was...probably three years ago? And still it is easily one of the most moving Christmas videos I think I've ever seen. It's so beautiful, and it gives me such a warm reminder of the real reason for the season and the best reason for why we give gifts. Just wanted to say thanks again for making this, Johnsu. It inspires me every time I watch it.
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so much christmas spirit! ... so beautiful!
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I always watch this every year and its still beautiful enough to move me to tears.
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This is absolutely beautiful! You have a real gift <3
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This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
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beautiful ) I love the style and the textures of the clothing of each of the characters. the music was a nice touch and well, despite my lack of religious belief, I find this amazing and wonderful, well thought through, with lots of references and a nice twist )
thanks for sharing
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It's really amazing, a wonderful piece of work, and it really reminds you what the holiday is about.
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each time I looks at it, I can help it, I cryin' ._.
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Wonderful union of two symbols
The climax for me was the tree become a crucifix!
Beautiful song!
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This has to one of the best things I have seen on this site. Fantastic!
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Such a beautiful, and a miraculous story.
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Very well animated. 
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