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Hello Friends,
I wanted to reach out to you all one last time before 2023 comes to an end. I am truly grateful for the work that we get to do of Sharing Hope, Empowering Youth, and Building Community at The Pittsburgh Project. At this time of year, I am aware more than any other of the vital role that each of our students, volunteers, neighbors, donors, partners, and friends play in our ability to continue serving on the Northside.
As I was sitting down to write this message, I had some Christmas music playing in the background, and for those who know me well, this isn't news, but I love Christmas music. I love the joy in “Go Tell It on The Mountain”, the fun in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, the anticipation in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, the nostalgia of “The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting), and the hope in “Someday at Christmas”. But my all-time favorite Christmas song is “Silent Night”, and my favorite rendition is by the Temptations on their Give Love at Christmas Album. If you haven't heard it before, give it a listen. I'm sure it will bring a little joy to your heart.
I love “Silent Night" because it paints a beautiful picture of the night Jesus was born, the imagery of sweet young Mary holding her baby, and a light from heaven shining on them both. It's a reminder of such a beautiful gift given to us in the form of a baby. The Temptations version takes that imagery from the very first Christmas, which we can all imagine on some level but is a bit removed from our current world, and adds the modern picture of us celebrating Christmas with those we love and care about. It takes that scene from over 2000 years ago, which was transformed into a traditional hymn in the 1800s and modernized by the Temptations and many others over the years.
I share this all with you because this particular song brings back so many memories of Christmases gone by. I have learned in my years at The Pittsburgh Project that, for some, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, with gifts, family, and food. For others, it's a time of reflection and new beginnings. For some, it's a hard time that they are just hoping to get through as they are reminded of lost loved ones and often not having enough resources to go around. For most, it's some combination of all of the things listed above and more. We all have our own Christmas memories and traditions, some good and some not-so-good. At TPP, we try our best to create long-lasting, joyful memories for all we contact. I've learned that, at times, those memories replace some of those not-so-good voids that some have, and for others, it's adding to what they have created in other parts of their lives.
We have a unique opportunity at The Pittsburgh Project to be a family for those who don't have family and an extended family for those with a family of their own. We have the gift of being a safe place for those who need it, young and old, to learn and grow without restriction. We get the chance to love and receive love without any conditions.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, I want to thank each and every person who has given, volunteered, participated, partnered, or prayed for The Pittsburgh Project in 2023. We are grateful for your love and support; we are better because of each way you have shared life with us. Continue to create memories this season with those you love, and try to show kindness to those you may see along the way who may need extra encouragement. A simple smile, holding a door, or letting someone in on the highway may be just the small act that helps to create a new Christmas memory for someone in a tough season. I will be listening to all the Christmas music my family can stand, with the Temptations "Silent Night" on repeat a little more than I care to admit. Many blessings to you and your family, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.
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