WHEN Mary is told that she is to “be with child and to name him Jesus” her response, once she has recovered from the shock, is to sing. This made me think of a mother’s influence? That’s quite a leap you might say. Well, the theme of Mary’s song, the Magnificat, concerns justice for the poor. If you think of Jesus’ early ministry: “He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Lk 4:18-19 / Isa 62:1-2) “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted,” (Matt 5:3-4) then you can see how profound Mary’s influence on Jesus must have been.

Mary has grasped immediately and clearly that in her unexpectedly being expectant and unimaginably carrying the Son of God, God himself has acted in a saving way. In Jesus’ day more than eighty percent of the population were poor, despite the land having been distributed by tribe and family in such a way that no one in Israel should ever become poor. Yet it had happened, there were the very rich and the poor and the same economic inequality with which we are familiar today because of the human spirit to acquire and exploit. Mary sings, God is about to act in Jesus to reverse injustice. This Advent let’s not forget the profound significance of the influence of a mother.

The Rev Michael Bonser, Tottlebank Baptist Church

During the season of Advent the Christian Church reflects on the birth of Jesus Christ, and also on His future second coming.