Incarnation
Latin in carne, "in the flesh"
Definition
The mystery by which the eternal Son of God took on a full human nature and became man in Jesus Christ, without ceasing to be God.
"the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). The Son assumed a complete human nature — body, rational soul, human mind and will — in the womb of the Virgin Mary. He remains one divine Person with two natures (CCC 464-470). Catholics bow at the words "and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate" in the Creed.