A child was scared at night because a big storm was coming through; it was loud, with thunder rumbling. His dad came in to pray with him. After praying, the son asked, “Where are you going?” Dad replied, “Don’t worry, I’ve prayed with you. God’s here in your room. He’s not going to leave you.” The son then said, “Dad, don’t go anywhere.” Dad reassured him, “Son, don’t worry about it. God’s going to be here; He’s with you.” The boy responded, “I want a God with skin on Him!” How many of you know that we serve a God with skin on Him, and His name is Jesus Christ? 

In theological terms, we refer to the idea of “God with some skin on Him” as the incarnation. The word “incarnation” comes from Latin. Do you know what “carne” means in Spanish? It means “meat”! For example, if you are ordering a burrito and want extra carne, you might ask for some additional bacon or meat. So, the concept of incarnation essentially means to put meat on something, to give it flesh, or to provide it with skin.

Friend, theologically, the incarnation refers to John 1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word became flesh.” However, it also signifies that we embody God’s presence. Baptized believers filled with the Holy Spirit carry Christ within them. When they pray or lay hands on someone, it’s as if Jesus is doing it directly. Thus, when we say “Christ is in us,” it reflects the powerful connection between believers and Christ in acts of prayer and healing.