The Word Became Flesh: an introductory essay on understanding the human and divine natures of Christ

“Taking up St. John’s expression ‘The word became flesh’, the church calls ‘Incarnation’ the fact that the Son of God assumed a human nature in order to accomplish our salvation in it.” (CCC #461) Understanding the Incarnation of Christ by way of his human and divine natures.Lina, a 16 year old Iranian girl, has broken the law, a capital offence:she became a Christian. She is arrested and given ONE brutal choice:renounce Christ and confess Allah and Mohammed his prophet. One ofher captors arranges a marriage contract for her to a strong Muslimman who will, “keep her from foolishness and eternal torment with theinfidels”. In such a marriage there would certainly be absoluteobedience and perhaps respect, but could anyone dream that there might be romance and love? She faces extreme darkness with no apparent hope, but then there are also glimmers of brilliant light. In times of greatest stress, Lina feels the presence of her spiritual warrior (guardian angel). In dreams Adonai reveals to Lina facts that could catapult her to undesired fame. The shy girl’s desire to live a quiet life may not be realized. Can she possibly avoid sharing Adonai’s message that will turn the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim world on its head as the Last Day approaches? Her choice could cost her everything. Join Lina’s adventure as she crosses the Middle East to seek God’s Plan for her life and finds God’s next step for the world in Jerusalem.The plight of many Christians in the Middle East is tenuous at best. In many countries the simple act of sharing one’s Christian faith can prove fatal on the spot. Government persecution can be just as repressive. The accusation of Christianity could be terrifying whether true or not. There can be no illusion of “easy believe-ism” here. Under these conditions, how would you react if you were, like Lina, accused of Christianity?