Incarnation, You, and Me
“The great mystery of the incarnation remains a mystery eternally. Not only is what is not yet seen of it greater than what has been revealed - for it is revealed merely to the extent that those saved by it can grasp it - but also even what is revealed still remains entirely hidden and is by no means known as it really is. What I have said should not appear paradoxical. For God is beyond being and transcends all beyond-beingness; and so, when He wished to come down to the level of being. He became being in a manner which transcends being. Thus, too, although transcending man, yet out of love for man He truly became man by taking on the substance of men; but the manner in which He became man always remains un-revealed, for He was made man in a way which transcends man.”
Various Texts on Theology, the Divine Economy, and Virtue and Vice
First Century by St. Maximos the Confessor
The profound mystery of the Incarnation, as articulated by St. Maximos the Confessor, offers a unique opportunity to explore both the divine and human aspects of this central Christian doctrine. At the heart of this mystery is the paradoxical truth that God, in His infinite and transcendent nature, chose to become fully human in the person of Jesus Christ. This act of Incarnation bridges the immeasurable gap between the divine and human, making it not just a theological concept but a reality that touches every aspect of human existence.
The Incarnation is not merely a historical event or a theological doctrine; it is a living reality that impacts how we understand ourselves, the world, and God. In becoming human, God did not just put on a disguise or appear in human form; He fully embraced human nature, experiencing everything it means to be human - joy, sorrow, pain, and even death. This profound truth reveals God's deep love and commitment to humanity, demonstrating that He is not a distant, unapproachable deity but a God who is intimately involved in the intricacies of human life.
Yet, as St. Maximos points out, the Incarnation remains an eternal mystery. It is a reality that is both revealed and hidden, known and yet surpassing all knowledge. This mystery invites us into a deeper relationship with the divine, where faith and wonder coexist. It reminds us that our understanding of God is always incomplete, and there is always more to discover about His nature and His work in the world.
The Incarnation also has profound implications for how we view the material world. In Christ, the spiritual and physical realms are united, sanctifying the entirety of creation. This union challenges us to see the world around us, not as something to be escaped or shunned, but as a realm filled with the presence of God. The Incarnation teaches us to embrace the physical world, our own bodies, and our human experiences as vehicles of divine grace.
Moreover, the Incarnation offers a model for how we are to live in the world. In Jesus, we see a life fully lived in response to God's will, a life of service, love, and sacrifice. This challenges us to live not for ourselves but for others, following Christ's example of humility and self-giving love.
In conclusion, the mystery of the Incarnation is a central pillar of Christian faith, inviting us into a deeper understanding of God's nature and our relationship with Him. It is a mystery that is not meant to be solved but to be lived, experienced, and embraced in our daily lives. Through the Incarnation, we encounter a God who is both beyond our understanding and intimately close, calling us to a life of faith, love, and service.