The Hebrew writer summarizes it well at the conclusion of Hebrews 9: He (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages, so that he might do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Some events are once for all events–like death and the subsequent judgment. So also was Christ’s sacrifice to take away the sins of many people a once for all event. He will appear a second time, but it will not be for the purpose of bearing sin. It will be to deliver salvation to those who are eagerly anticipating his coming.
At this time of year, it sometimes seems the entire world is thinking about Jesus’ first coming, the Advent, the Incarnation. That is the Nativity message. Jesus came. Right now that coming of Jesus into the world is pretty tame. In another four months, the world will remember that he came to die a cruel, painful death for the sins of humanity.
Today as we share the Supper, we do not focus on the fact that Jesus came, but rather on the fact that he is coming. In the Supper, we proclaim Jesus’ death. Moreover, we demonstrate our confidence that he died and was resurrected, and that he is coming again. Keep remembering and reminding one another that He is Coming. Continue doing this until he comes!