Definitions: ''Incarnation''

The word incarnation comes from two Latin words (as do so many theological words!) which together mean "into flesh." When the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and she conceived in her womb the promised Savior (Luke 1:35), at that point the Second Person of the Holy Trinity came "into flesh" and into human history. God the Son visited this creation in a way that was unique, not to be repeated. In heaven, therefore, Jesus Christ has no mother; in the incarnation He had no (biological) father.

Adoption

In its most ordinary usage adoption points to what a married couple chooses to do to bring a child biologically not their own into their home. In theology adoption is also used to designate one important link in the "golden chain of salvation." Far too often adoption is slighted or neglected in discussions of our redemption.