Labor of Love

Theology & Meaning

Labor of Love is one of the most theologically rich and poetically beautiful Advent/Christmas songs in contemporary Christian music. It contemplates the Incarnation through the labor pains of Mary, connecting the physical difficulty of childbirth to the cosmic significance of what is being born. The theology is incarnational and deeply humanizing: God entered creation through the most vulnerable, ordinary human experience.

Worship Leadership Tips

An Advent and Christmas song that works across a wide range of church contexts and is accessible to both traditional and contemporary worship environments. Peterson's gift for earthy, grounded poetry makes this particularly effective for congregations who want their Christmas worship to go beyond sentimentality to theological depth.

Arrangement Tips

The 3/4 waltz time gives it a gentle, rocking quality suited to the lullaby imagery. Acoustic guitar or piano as the foundation. Keep the arrangement intimate and warm — overly produced versions miss the tender quality of the song. Peterson's original recording is the model to honor.

Scripture References

• Luke 2:6-7
• Philippians 2:7-8
• John 1:14