A highlight of the 2019 Christmas At Luther concerts, this festive work has an optional parts for brass and organ or for full orchestra. At first the choir takes the part of the angels, singing Be not afraid! The first four notes of the piece become a sweeping, recurring refrain, soaring upward like the angels themselves each time the title words appear. The effect of the audience finally joining in the traditional melody for Hark! the Herald Angels Sing is another joyful surprise.
