The Jesse Tree: The Return from Exile

Dec 21, 2025 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, Dec 18 and Sunday, Dec 21

The countdown to Christmas often invites us to consider some of

the most unlikely of characters. Ezra 1:1-4 begins the story of the

return of the exiles of Judah, and it starts with the unlikely King Cyrus

of Persia. Cyrus’ heart was stirred by God to allow the exiles to return

home and rebuild the temple. Cyrus was not Jewish and likely did not

have a relationship with God (Yahweh), but he was still part of the

unfolding which would allow the return of the Jews and would be

part of the events leading to Jesus’ birth. Cyrus reminds us that we

often find God’s activity in the least likely of places.

As we quickly approach Christmas, pause and stop to notice God’s

work among us. Look for divine moments and miracles, which shout

to the presence of God. Particularly focus on how these moments

may come in the most unlikely places, people, and ways. In our

seeking, we may find that God with Us/Emmanuel in the most

unexpected.

Waiting for Christmas,

Rev. Sherri