Welcome to Bootleg Prayers. A podcast where Aaron Austin as he rummages through our collective sock drawer looking for tufts of hope and threads of sublimity. He'll share songs and stories (and maybe transcendental grocery lists) for each week (or so) as we look for beauty in this mess. This first song is a song Christmas Song, just a few weeks old.

Here's a blessing for the week:

As we go…
May you cherish your doubts
And welcome them as old friends.
May you find that your mistakes
Land you upside down in a grace
You cannot explain.
May you know the truth —
Deep in your heart —
That you are held
In the arms of love.
Go in peace.

Here are the lyrics for this week's song:

You Don't Have to Believe

What was it like on that cold dark night
in those days long past
when heaven's song shook the earth just like a drum
and angels danced and cheered and laughed?
And weary eyes shown bright,
twinkling with a holy light.
Hearts warm despite the cold,
kindled by their deepest hope
at least that's what I'm told.

You don't have to believe;
You can just be in the light of Love.

What was it like on that cold dark night
so very long ago
When heaven's light fell to the dusty earth—
God made home in skin and bone?
And drew a shaky breath,
warmed by a mother's kiss.
Heaven and Earth embrace,
tangled in each other’s gaze,
at least that’s what they say.

You don't have to believe;
You can just be in the arms of Love.

Here we are on this cold dark night
looking back at history?
Our shining lights drowning out the starry sky,
make it hard to see.
Breathe in deep and know
the truth inside your soul.
Love's where you began;
She still holds you in her hands,
At least that's where I stand.

You don't have to believe;
You can just be in the arms of Love.