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)

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.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Philippians 4:19 –20 (ESV)

It seems like some subjects are off limits in church. We like talking about theology and Jesus. Leave things like politics and money at the door. In fact, if those (and several other subjects) come up especially from the pulpit, people tend to pull back and even leave churches because of it. This makes pastors and congregations hesitant to say anything at all in these areas.

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)

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:12 –13 (ESV)

Some verses seem to get memorialized. They end up on plaques and mugs. They become phrases and mottos. Unfortunately, most of them get severed from their context which endangers their true meaning and interrupts their true power.