36. Using Music to Disciple Your Children This Christmas: Simple, Biblical Habits for Your Home (Part 1)

“Music brings a lot of peace… it can set the direction of our heart and the tone of our day.” — Mary Prather

In this special Christmas episode, Lori welcomes longtime friend and music educator Mary Prather to explore how sacred music can shape the atmosphere of your home and the hearts of your children during the Advent season. Rather than treating Christmas music as background noise, Mary helps us see it as a discipleship tool—one that forms affection, builds rhythms of worship, and quiets the noise of a busy holiday culture.

Together, they discuss how parents can recover simple, meaningful practices such as Advent hymns, listening rituals, and Scripture-centered musical traditions—even if you “don’t feel musical.” Encouraging and deeply practical, this conversation shows how the beauty of Christmas music can lead your children toward awe, peace, and a deeper love for Christ.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How sacred music becomes a formational tool in a child’s spiritual life
• Why Advent rhythms anchor the home in truth amid December busyness
• Simple ways to reintroduce hymns, carols, and Scripture-songs into daily routines
• What to do if you feel “non-musical” (and how to start anyway)
• Mary’s favorite carols, resources, and listening rhythms for families
• How curated playlists and musical habits calm the heart and point children to Christ

Resources

About Mary Prather

Mary Prather is a veteran homeschool mom who has graduated two children from her homeschool journey. Married for 28 years to her husband, Hal, Mary brings her love of family, teaching, and the arts into everything she does. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Supervision, she has combined her passions for music and education to serve families through SQUILT Music Appreciation—the curriculum she founded in 2011 to help make fine arts accessible and joyful for every learner. When she’s not teaching or creating, Mary enjoys great books, serving in her church’s special needs ministry, and all things related to music.

Connect with Mary

• Website: Homegrown Learners
• Webside: SQUILT Music Appreciation
• Instagram: Homegrown Leaners
• Instagram: SQUILT Music

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