# Hymn of Labor explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus

Addressed as the divine companion and carpenter of Nazareth who joins workers and teaches the goodness of toil.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/hymn-of-labor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters