Hebrews 9:27-28
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

At Christ's birth, very few knew who he truly was. The good news of his incarnation was announced to some shepherds, but not trumpeted to all. Even through his life and ministry, only a small number recognized him as the Messiah, the anointed one of God. When Christ returns, however, there will be no confusion over who he is.

At Christ's return, he will not deal with sin, but save those who have put their trust in him. Through his perfect obedience and sacrificial death, God has exalted Jesus and given him the name that is above every name. When Christ comes again, his Lordship over the universe will no longer be questioned, but "every knee should bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" [Philippians 2:10-11].

Yet the return of Christ will not be a joyous occasion for all. Those who have rejected him and his atoning sacrifice will be condemned to eternally bearing the wrath of God for their sin. This somber truth should remind those of us who eagerly await Christ's return that we are charged to be his ambassadors while in the body [2 Corinthians 5:17-21]. We are to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and share what he has done with all nations, knowing that "faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." [Romans 10:17]