Final answer:
In Christian theology, 'the Word' refers to Jesus Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us through the Incarnation, embodying both divine and human nature to bridge the gap between God and humanity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us' is a reference to the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, which is the belief that Jesus, whom Christians recognize as the divine Word, became a human being. In the context of the Bible, it refers to the idea that God took human form in the person of Jesus Christ and lived among us. The term 'Incarnation' originates from the Latin 'incarnatio', meaning 'made flesh'.
According to the teachings of the Christian faith, the significance of the Incarnation lies in Jesus being both fully divine and fully human, allowing him to bridge the gap between God and humanity, offering salvation and the possibility of eternal life to those who believe. This event is celebrated by Christians around the world, particularly during the season of Christmas, when the birth of Jesus is commemorated. The Incarnation is also a central theme in many theological discussions and underpins the very foundation of Christian doctrine and belief.