By Staff
Francis P. Church could not have been more right when, in 1897, he answered Virginia O'Hanlon's letter about the existence of Santa Claus.
All of us have had our moments of doubt in the past, I'm sure. My older brother and sister had a way of testing my faith in Santa when we were growing up, but now that we're older we all know the truth.
And anyone who has read our newspaper this month - or any month this year, for that matter - knows the truth, too.
Santa may only have time for a few visits in December, but his elves are busy working throughout the year in Brewton.
Just in the last few weeks they have helped shop for gifts for children in need - a burden a busy Santa must have surely been glad to share.
They have stocked food pantries and served Thanksgiving dinner.
They have built entire houses, almost within days. They have renovated homes damaged by past storms.
They have tended to victims after house fires and raised money so that area agencies that depend on the kindness of strangers could help young and old.
They've coached Little League, gone on mission trips, visited shut-ins, tutored after school.
They have performed a countless number of acts of kindness, most likely regarded as minor miracles by those who benefit.
We may not call it the Christmas spirit when we're pounding nails in a Habitat house in sweltering July, but what else could it be?
It is the spirit born of the greatest gift we've all received, the gift of Christ from God the Father.
I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Our community's elves deserve a nice rest before they begin their projects anew in 2008.
Kerry Whipple Bean is publisher of The Brewton Standard. She can be reached at 867-4876 or by e-mail at kerry.bean@brewtonstandard.com.