Poetry · Chapter
Hymn of Labor explained
A hymn that honors Jesus as the divine companion of workers, celebrating the dignity of labor and the sanctity of daily work.
What happens
A hymn that honors Jesus as the divine companion of workers, celebrating the dignity of labor and the sanctity of daily work. It draws a parallel between Christ's own life as a carpenter and the toil of all workers, teaching that labor is good and that every task, done with love and kindness, is a service to God. The hymn concludes with a prayer for blessing in daily work and guidance toward Sabbath rest.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Peace and Rest
The hymn contrasts daily strife with the peace of Christ and ends with a prayer for Sabbath rest, embodying the theme of spiritual rest.
Love and Sacrifice
Every deed of love and kindness done to others is framed as an act done to Christ, highlighting sacrificial love in daily labor.
Characters to notice
- Jesus
Addressed as the divine companion and carpenter of Nazareth who joins workers and teaches the goodness of toil.
Key passages
“Jesus, Thou divine Companion, By Thy lowly human birth Thou hast come to join the workers, Burden-bearers of the earth.”
Jesus, you are the divine partner who, through your humble birth, became one with laborers and those who carry heavy burdens.
Establishes Christ's solidarity with workers through the Incarnation.
“Every task, however simple, Sets the soul that does it free; Every deed of love and kindness Done to man is done to Thee.”
No matter how small the job, it liberates the soul; every act of love and kindness toward another is an act of service to Christ.
Emphasizes the spiritual freedom found in humble work and the sacredness of service to others.
“Bless us in our daily labor, Lead us to our Sabbath rest.”
Grant us your blessing in our everyday work, and guide us toward the peace of eternal rest.
Concludes the hymn with a prayer for divine blessing and the hope of heavenly rest.