In this second part of our Christmas mini-series, Lori Lane and guest Mary Prather continue the conversation on how music can be a powerful, grace-filled tool in discipling your children. This isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. Whether you’re playing classical pieces during math time or singing sacred hymns at bedtime, music has the power to soften hearts, shape the atmosphere of your home, and anchor your family in Christ.

You’ll hear practical rhythms for families in every season (even the messy ones), insight into the best sacred and classical resources, and encouragement for parents who want to create beauty and connection during the Christmas season—no musical talent required.

In this episode:

• Why sacred music creates emotional and spiritual connection
• How to create a realistic rhythm of musical discipleship
• The power of Handel’s Messiah and classical music in shaping faith
• Choosing music like a healthy diet for your child’s soul
• How to make beauty part of your family legacy

#LegacyParenting #ChristianParenting #MusicDiscipleship #ChristmasWithKids #GospelCenteredParenting #FamilyWorship #AdventMusic #HomeschoolMusic #HandelsMessiah #SacredMusic #DisciplingChildren #CharlotteMason #FaithFilledHome

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.

• 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

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

Legacy Parenting Resource:

➡️ Trends vs. Truth: A Path to Counter-Cultural Parenting

Your free 5-episode private podcast series + discussion guide

Every parent wrestles with how to handle Christmas “wants.” But at Legacy, we believe the season is one of the richest opportunities to disciple the heart—not just manage the wishlist.

In today’s episode, John and Lori Lane guide us through how to parent biblically and intentionally when consumer culture gets loud. You’ll hear a powerful reminder: discipling your child toward Christ in December might be the most lasting gift you give all year.

Whether it’s unmet expectations, wish list disappointment, or the deeper longings for value and recognition, this episode offers truth-centered encouragement and practical tools to shepherd your child well.

Takeaways:

• Why biblical gift-giving is rooted in the Gospel
• The contrast between Herod and the wise men—and what it reveals about worship
• How to uncover the heart behind your child’s disappointment
• Simple family practices that re-center the focus on Christ
• Encouragement for weary parents: why it’s okay not to give them everything