1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is HE who has been born KING OF THE JEWS? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
Reverend Dr. Carlos D. Williams
“Christmas: It’s a Holy Day, not a Holiday”
Iheard someone (a believer) say the other day that they can't get in the Christmas Spirit and that it doesn't feel like Christmas. I interpreted that to mean a lack of motivation to prepare for the holiday: putting up trees and lights, shopping, cooking, hosting family, and traveling. How tragic it sounds to me for a believer to suggest they can't get into the Spirit. We base our joy on our perspectives about certain situations. So, if your idea of Christmas is only Santa, cooking, lights, trees, and gifts, then that's a short-lived, temporary joy. But if your Christmas perspective is Jesus and Jesus alone, it ought to be an overwhelming, longlasting joy. This perspective is a joy that is never based on how favorable the circumstances of our lives are. The Joy of the Lord is a Spirit-endowed disposition of gladness, rejoicing, and happiness. It is fueled by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the truth of God's Word and the Person of God.
I submit to you, Saints, that if
there is one encounter and one experience that every believer ought to have as a reference that should stir their soul, it ought to be the birth of Jesus. Do you know what that means? Do you want to know what Christmas means in a sentence, truly? It is really the title of Max Lucado's Book entitled, "God Came Near." That's Christmas in its lowest terms. God came near!! Think about it. God became a man. Lucado says, "the omnipotent in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been Spirit became pierceable." He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. The creator of life being created. Christmas is about God addressing the problem of sin.
I don't know about you saints, but when I think about the fact that the Word became fresh and dwelt among us, it makes me tremble. When I think about it, He who was in the form of God thought it not robbery to
be equal with God, took on the form of a servant, and did all of that to save me from my sins, it sends me into a state of wonder and amazement. That doesn't give you joy or put you in the Christmas Spirit? You will never get into the Christmas Spirit if it were just a holiday. However, it is not a holiday. It is a Holy Day. Let's embrace and dwell on the true meaning of Christmas. When we do, it will fuel our joy and keep us in the Christmas Spirit.
Lord, I lift Your name on high. Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I'm so glad You're in my life. I'm so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way. From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave, From the grave to the sky Lord, I lift Your name on high.
FLINTVILLE, TN, October 23, 2025, Joe Nathan Lampley has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process
Demonstrating more than three decades of professional dedication and service, Mr Lampley has established a remarkable career as an attorney, rancher and real estate owner Since 1983, he has led the Law Office of Joe N Lampley, where he represents individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents,and advocates for clients before the state personnel board in Alabama His expertise in handling criminal cases that potentially lead to life imprisonment sentences and death is widely recognized, reflecting his commitment to ensuring his clients receive the highest standards of representation
Demonstrating more than three decades of professional dedication and service,
In addition to his legal practice, Mr Lampley works as a rancher and real estate owner, further diversifying his professional and personal portfolio Each of these roles have allowed him to contribute to his community s economic development while maintaining a strong connection to the land and local business interests
Mr Lampley served as a captain in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps of the United States Army from 1979 until January 1984
Mr Lampley's early military career was marked by a profound commitment to civil rights and social justice
Mr Lampley identified a significant barrier in Madison County, Alabama, that prevented Black residents from registering to vote Despite the restrictions placed on political activities for active-duty soldiers,
Before venturing onto his legal path, Mr Lampley pursued higher education and earned a Juris Doctor from Southern University in 1979, following a Bachelor of Science in political science with minors in history and philosophy from Tuskegee University in 1976
He was named to the Dean s List at Tuskegee, underscoring his academic excellence and deep dedication to continuous learning
In addition to his varied professional pursuits, Mr Lampley is affiliated with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Kappa Alpha Psi organizations that reflect his ongoing commitment to civil rights advocacy, community leadership, and helping those in need
Mr Lampley is happily married to Beverly Gurley Lampley, and a proud father of three adult children, Jonathn and Christoper Lampley and Derrick Pearson,
JESUS
MANGER ANGEL STAR
GABRIEL
BETHLEHEM
MARY
SHEPHERDS
JOSEPH
NATIVITY
WORSHIP
PRAISE
CHRISTMAS
HOLY
SAVIOR
EMMANUEL
GLORY
PEACE
HOPE
JOY