the Hypostatic Union (an extra-detailed, obfuscated theology term)

  There are a few common theological terms that sound impossibly complex. In my mind, 'the hypostatic union' is among the most difficult though it refers simply to the union of the divine and human natures in the person of Jesus Christ. In spite of studying theology in college, I graduated without being sure what this theological term referred to (not my teachers' fault.)  Eventually, I got it; more helpful though was some clear teaching on this doctrine (summarized here and here, though I heard it as a lecture). As a Christian, it is very useful to deeply understand what it means that Jesus was (and is) both truly God and truly man! But that's not exactly what this post is about...

 In the last month or so, twice I have been asked to explain and defend the Christian belief in the two natures of Christ (hypostatic union).  As with doctrines like the trinity, it is easier to to start explanations with basic illustrations/correlations; for instance, in discussing the Trinity, common illustrations are a triangle, water, an egg, etc. While these correlations are always partial, they have a definite value. But, I was not familiar with any illustrative shortcuts to express the basics of the hypostatic union to suggest the dual natures of Christ that are found in His singular personhood.  Here are a few that I found by internet research, discussion, and thought.

1.  Heat and Iron - Each has completely separate properties which can be found at times in the same space, yet without confusion. (Shedd says this was used by the early church fathers.)

2.  A human's body and soul - Separate and unmixed even if not always easily distinguishable

3.  Marriage - two parts, each different, but integral to a single whole

4.  Light - Light functions as both matter and energy; the traits of both are distinguishable, yet neither fully explains the essence of light independently of the other.  (e=mc2)

  I'm basically posting this because I haven't found a list of illustrations elsewhere.  Please comment below with any other illustrations!