Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!” -- Jonah 2:8 –9 (ESV)

We talk a lot about 'grace'. We write songs about it. We name churches with it. We identify doctrines by it. I wonder if we understand the words that we are using. What is 'grace'? How does God's grace come to us? What do we need to understand to really experience and share that experience with others.

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. -- Luke 2:9 –11 (ESV)

There are few things as exciting as the birth of a child. Most parents mark it down as one of the greatest memories of their life. We want to let people know. We post about it online. We send out announcements. We hold parties. It's a life-defining moment in so many ways.

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.”  -- Jonah 1:1 –2 (ESV)

It's a familiar Sunday school story. It has pretty amazing elements. There is a prophet, a mission, a storm, a whale, and a revival. The illustrations pretty much draw themselves. Jonah is one of those Old Testament tales we have heard again and again.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

    “Glory to God in the highest,
        and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
    
 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  -- Luke 2:13 –15 (ESV)

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. -- Luke 2:17 –19 (ESV)

One of the dominating images of the Christmas story is a young woman deep into her pregnancy enduring the long uncomfortable journey to Bethlehem. Through the scriptures we see a woman not only with a maternal love for her child, but also a love for him as her savior. It is both amazing and beautiful.

For to us a child is born,
        to us a son is given;
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
        and his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
        Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
    Of the increase of his government and of peace
        there will be no end,
    on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
        to establish it and to uphold it
    with justice and with righteousness
        from this time forth and forevermore.
    The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - Isaiah 9:6 –7 (ESV)