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: 
  You 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) 

  While the Cardinals warbled a joyful song: 
  He'll make right what man made wrong 
  Bringing low the hills 
  That the valley might be filled! 
  Then Child, asked the birds, 
  Well, aren't they lovely words we sing? 

  The tiny Baby lay there 
  Without saying anything 

  At a distance stood a mangy Goat 
  With crooked teeth and a matted coat, 
  Weary eyes and worn, chipped & twisted horns 
  Thinking: 
  Maybe I'll make friends some day 
  With the Cows in the pens and the Rambouillet, 
  But for now I'll keep away - 
  I got nothin' smart to say 

  But there's a sign on the barn in Cabbagetown: 

  WHEN THE RAIN PICKS UP 
  AND THE SUN GOES DOWN, 
  SINNER, COME INSIDE! 
  WITH NO MONEY, COME AND BUY 
  NO CLEVER TALK NOR GIFT TO BRING 
  REQUIRES OUR LOWLY, LOVELY KING 
  COME, ALL EMPTYHANDED 
  YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING 

  The night was cool and clear as glass 
  With a sneaking Snake in the garden grass 
  Deep cried out to Deep, 
  The Disciples, fast asleep 
  The snake perked up when he heard you ask: 

  If You're willing that this cup might pass 
  I could find my way back home, 
  Maybe start a family all my 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