Howells: Here is the little door

Out of Howells’ Three Carol Anthems (1918-20), this miniature depicts the scene at the nativity - the stable itself, the precious gifts of the Magi, and the sleeping child. The second stanza details the gifts - with classic Howells block harmonies, before bringing us to the central thought of the piece - “Gifts for His children, terrible and sweet, touched by such hands and Oh! such tiny feet.”