Using XAML vector graphics in WPF application
http://learnwpf.com/post/2006/06/04/How-do-I-Include-Vector-Based-Image-Resources-in-my-WPF-Application.aspx explains how to do it.
<ContentControl Template="{StaticResource Credit-Card}" />
It is extremely difficult to use vector graphics in a reusable way in WPF and Silverlight.
These two StackOverflow questions discuss some of the options available:
XAML Icons - How to use?
WPF What is the correct way of using SVG files as icons in WPF
After reading through these questions and answers, I think the best solution is to stick with with a bitmap/raster format like PNG until Microsoft decides to support SVG.