A Stick, A Carrot & String

The horse's hay beneath his head
Our Lord was born to a manger bed
That all whose wells run dry could drink of his supply

To keep him warm, the sheep drew near
So grateful for His coming here
Come with news of grace, come to take my place

The donkey whispered in his ear
"Child, in thirty-some-odd years
You'll ride someone who looks like me untriumphantly"

The cardinals warbled a joyful song
He'll make right what man made wrong
Bringing low the hills that the valleys might be filled

Then, "Child," asked the birds
"Well, aren't they lovely words we sing?"
The tiny baby laid there without saying anything

At a distance stood a mangy goat
With the crooked teeth and a matted coat
Weary eyes and worn, chipped and twisted horns

Thinking maybe I'll make friends someday
With the cows and the hens in the rambouillet
But for now I'll keep away, I've got nothing smart to say

There's a sign on the barn in the cabbage town:
"When the rain picks up and the sun goes down
Sinners come inside, with no money come and buy"

No clever talk, nor a gift to bring
Requires our lowly, lovely King
Come now empty-handed, you don't need anything

And the night was cool and clear as glass
With the sneaking snake in the garden grass
Deep cried out to deep, the disciples fast asleep

And the snake perked up when he heard You ask
If you're willing that this cup might pass
We could find our way back home, maybe start a family all our own

But does not the Father guide the Son?
Not My will, but Yours be done
What else here to do? What else me but You?

And the snake who'd held the world
A stick, a carrot and a string
Was crushed beneath the foot of Your not wanting anything