Journal Through the Bible: Week 90 Wednesday

source

I Chronicles chapter 16

There was great celebration after the Ark was in its place in the City of David! The king then gave gifts of bread, meat, and drink to the people. He then appointed certain of the Levites as musicians to play and sing worship music before the LORD GOD of Israel continually.

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• When David ratified the covenant, which in this case meant moving the Ark and having the priests offer the sacrifices and peace offerings before God, he finished his work by giving gifts to the people of the covenant. When Jesus ratified the covenant, which in His case meant fulfilling all of the work of Prophet, Priest, and King by offering Himself as the sacrifice and a peace offering before the mercy seat of God, He cried "It is finished!" and provided gifts to the people of the covenant! People of the covenant are those who repent of their sins to God, trust Jesus Christ alone as the sacrifice of those sins, and who therefore receive mercy from God. What a wonderful gift!

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• This chapter tells that David gave gifts to the people of Israel and blessed them after he had finished the work of placing the Ark of the Covenant (or Testament) into its proper place. Revelation 11:18-19 says that Jesus, Lord God Almighty will give reward unto His servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear His name, small and great. Then the Apostle John says the temple of God was opened in heaven so that he could see the Ark of His Testament there.
• David appointed musicians to continually provide songs of worship before the Ark of the Covenant. Revelation chapter 4 tells of the worship service that will go on continually before the Throne of God with 24 elders leading the service of praise! (Note of interest: Dr. Henry Morris speculated that the 24 "elders" might be the Patriarchs through whom Christ descended, specifically Adam to Pharez.)

Journal Through the Bible: Week 90 Tuesday

source

I Chronicles chapter 15

We read in chapter 13 that King David had attempted to move the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjathjearim to the City of David but he had gone about it in the wrong way and it cost a man his life. The Ark then stayed in the home of Obededom until such a time as David could research the proper means of moving the Ark to the place he had prepared for it. This was accomplished 3 months after that first disastrous attempt. Apparently Obededom was of the tribe of Levi because such a man was named in this chapter as one of the musicians who played the harps when the Ark was moved to Jerusalem. He was also named as a doorkeeper for the Ark.

Does God issue any commands?

• God had said that the Levites were to carry the Ark of the Covenant on poles resting upon their shoulders. They were God's chosen group for the task. David repeated these instructions prior to his second attempt to bring the Ark to the tent that he had prepared for it in Jerusalem.
• As God had commanded the Levites and priests through Moses many years earlier, David told Zadok, Abiathar, Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab the priests or the chief men of the tribe of Levi to sanctify themselves and their brethren for the service of moving the Ark. David admitted that they had not moved the Ark properly the first time and had been punished accordingly.

Does God make any promises?

• God did not speak in this chapter.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• There is a time of great celebration when the king does things in a godly manner. Proverbs says that the people rejoice when the righteous reign. (See Proverbs 29:2.) Not everyone rejoices though. Those that hate the righteous and love wickedness will not celebrate his success. This happened to King David and it happened (and continues to happen) to Jesus. Michal, David's wife was compromised when her father made an adulterer out of her by giving her to another man after she had married David. She then despised David, the man to whom she was legally married, when she saw him worshiping the LORD. The inhabitants of the world were compromised by Adam's sin and became adulterers in their union with God. They then despised him. Since Jesus is God in the flesh this means that the union between Jesus and His creation, mankind, was broken. Many that belong to him by right of creation do not want Him to succeed as He carries out His righteous mission of making a place for the redeemed (John 14:2-3) , the very thing that the Ark of the Covenant represents!

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Revelation 11:15 tell of the time that the nations of the world become the nations of the Lord, Christ, who will reign forever and ever. Verse 18 says that the nations were angry, which they now are since the world does not love Jesus, the King. This parallels the anger that Michal showed toward King David when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Verse 19 says that the Ark of the Testament (or Covenant) is then seen in its place that King Jesus prepared for it in the Temple in Heaven. David prepared a place for the Ark in his earthly kingdom. Jesus prepared a place for the Ark in His Heavenly Kingdom. It no longer needs to be moved but stands as a testimony that the work of the covenant was completed by the King.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 90 Monday

source

I Chronicles chapter 14

As the narrative continues about the life of David some of the genealogical information from chapter 3 is repeated. Two of the events of this chapter are the sending of timber by King Hiram of Tyre and the Philistine assaults when they heard that their adversary, David, was now king of Israel.

Does God issue any commands?

• In answer to David's first question God told David to go up against the Philistines.
• In answer to David's question God told David not to go up against the Philistines when they threatened the second time to invade Israel. Instead, he and his army were to wait until the wind blew in the tops of the mulberry trees before they went up against the Philistines.

Does God make any promises?

• God promised David that He would deliver the Philistines into his hands.
• God promised David the second time that He would go before David and his army against the Philistines when David heard the sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• God delivered David's enemies to him so that David and Israel defeated them. God the Father, through the psalmist David, promises to deliver Jesus' enemies and make them His footstool. (See Psalm 110:1) Jesus Himself quoted this verse when speaking to the Pharisees (see Matthew 22:44 and Luke 20:43). He stated that the Christ was to be the Son (or of the lineage of) David and yet David through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit called his own Son "Lord." Jesus asked the Pharisees how this could be. Jesus was claiming that this psalm was a prophecy about Himself and that God the Father would do for Him exactly what He had done for David!
• Peter affirmed in Acts 2:35 that Jesus was the Lord to whom the LORD made the promise of Psalm 110:1. The promised defeat in Psalm 110:1 parallels the defeat of the Philistines by David when God told David that He would deliver David from his enemies.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Just as God made promises to David concerning his kingdom and the defeat of his enemies God made promises to Jesus concerning His Kingdom and the defeat of His enemies. God fulfilled His promises to David and God completely fulfilled His promises to Jesus also. This was accomplished by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, all of Jesus' enemies will one day be conquered and Jesus will enter into rest, which is what I think of when I think of putting one's feet up on a footstool.
• I Corinthians 15 tells of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how it is the partial fulfillment of Psalm 110:1 because death is the last enemy that must be destroyed. And because Jesus was victorious over death we are promised that we will also be resurrected. This will be the complete and final fulfillment of the prophecy of Psalm 110:1!

Read Through the Bible in 2014, 2015: December 29-January 3 Schedule

12/29/2014	Nehemiah 7, 8	Proverbs 29
12/30/2014	Nehemiah 9, 10	Proverbs 30
12/31/2014	Nehemiah 11-13	Proverbs 31
1/1/2015	Genesis 1, 2	John 1, 2
1/2/2015	Genesis 3-5	John 3
1/3/2015	Genesis 6,7	John 4, 5

Read Through the Bible in 2014: December 22-27 Schedule

12/22/2014	Ezra 7, 8	Proverbs 23
12/23/2014	Ezra 9, 10	Proverbs 24
12/24/2014	Malachi 1, 2	Proverbs 25
12/25/2014	Malachi 3, 4	Proverbs 26
12/26/2014	Nehemiah 1-3	Proverbs 27
12/27/2014	Nehemiah 4-6	Proverbs 28

TAKE TIME: December 15-20, 2014 Assignment

Introduction: The chronicle continues an accounting of events that happened during the reign of King David. Included are the successful movement of the Ark to Jerusalem, military victories, and some very important promises!

 Assignment:

• Monday - I Chronicles chapter 14
• Tuesday - I Chronicles chapter 15
• Wednesday -  I Chronicles chapter 16
• Thursday - I Chronicles chapter 17
• Friday - I Chronicles chapter 18
• Saturday - I Chronicles chapter 19

Memory Verse

 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. I Chronicles 16:29


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God that He is Eternal! For us, what we read in the Bible is either an historical account or a prophetic pronouncement of things to come. To God, they just "are." The future is just as certain as the past and counted as though they have already been accomplished.
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

If you completed making the list of God's promises to you in last week's assignment then use that list to make a psalm of praise to God out of a thankful heart like David did. See I Chronicles 16:7-36 if you need any encouragement and inspiration.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Saturday

source

I Chronicles chapter 13

David envisioned bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjathjearim to Jerusalem so he consulted his captains and the congregation about this proposal. Unfortunately, he forgot to consult God's Word. David had the right idea but he went about it in the wrong way. It was a fatal error that cost a man named Uzza his life.

Does God issue any commands?

• God did not speak in this chapter, but He killed Uzza for touching the Ark as the oxen stumbled that pulled the cart upon which it was riding. The Ark remained in a nearby house for 3 months. God had given specific commands in the Law concerning the moving of the Ark. David failed to follow those commands.

Does God make any promises?

• God made no promises in this chapter, but God blessed Obededom the Gittite and his family for providing shelter for the Ark during those 3 months. Obviously this family treated the Ark with the utmost respect and reverenced it according to God's Law.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The Ark of the Covenant is a symbol of Jesus and His redemptive work. Although salvation through Jesus is not by works, it is through God's work and He provides the means for attaining forgiveness of sins. This is repentance of our sin and trust in the atoning grace found only in the blood of Jesus Christ through which God provides the sinner mercy. As Jesus said, "I am the Way" and not one way. Salvation can be achieved but only according to God's plans and not according to a way that we devise by our own desires. It must be done in God's way or not at all. Jesus did it God's way. We are to accept God's way of salvation and not seek to attain it in our own way. Man's way always leads to death.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• New Jerusalem is the desired eternal resting place. We can only rest there (which means being free from sin and all of its effects) if we follow God's plan for moving! Many wish to go there but few wish to humble themselves through repentance of their sins and submit themselves to Jesus. Those who relocate to the New Jerusalem will be there because they followed God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ which is pictured by the Ark of the Covenant and its mercy seat between the Cherubim.

Read Through the Bible in 2014: December 15-20 Schedule

12/15/2014	Zechariah 12-14	Proverbs 17
12/16/2014	Ezra 5, 6	Proverbs 18
12/17/2014	Esther 1, 2	Proverbs 19
12/18/2014	Esther 3-5	Proverbs 20
12/19/2014	Esther 6-8	Proverbs 21
12/20/2014	Esther 9, 10	Proverbs 22

Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Friday

source

I Chronicles chapter 12

Many of the mighty men that helped David during those years that he had to hide from Saul were ambidextrous men from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe and family. There were also men from the tribe of Gad who were so fearsome that they were described as having faces like lions and were so sure-footed that they were described as being as swift as roes (deer) upon the mountains. They were also such great swimmers that they crossed the Jordan while it was in flood stage and captured the nearby valleys. Some of the men of Manasseh defected to David when he was in the area around Ziklag.

Finally, there is a numerical account given of the men from each tribe that went to Hebron to confirm David as king following the death of Saul. Of particular interest is the way the Bible describes the men of Issachar. It says they "were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; . . ." It would be great to have God note such wisdom in us! Or perhaps, what is said of the men of Zebulun who "were not of double heart."

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak, but a command is fulfilled when the people of Israel make David their king.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak, but David made it clear to the men who came to him while he was in hiding that if they only came as spies to betray him to Saul the Lord would deal with them. This is because David was innocent of trying to usurp Saul's throne. God had said that David would rule in Saul's place. If anyone had a grievance about this they would find that they were fighting God and not David.
• Amasai confirmed the belief that God had chosen David to lead the nation when he swore an oath of allegiance to him.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Like David, Jesus is God's Chosen Ruler. And like David, men turn to Him individually and join His army. One day, like David, He will lead a mighty host built from those that God called and equipped.
• There was great rejoicing and celebrating done by those who had "a perfect heart" and were "of one heart" once God's chosen king had taken the throne. Since Jesus is God's Chosen King a joyous celebration will be given in His honor, too, and the participants will be those who have a perfect heart.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The confirmation and coronation of David as king of Israel is a foretaste of the events yet to follow when Jesus will ascend the throne. All will be in agreement. All will gladly pledge their allegiance. All will have understanding of the times. All will give what they have in His service. And all will celebrate and rejoice!

Read Through the Bible in 2014: December 8-13 Schedule

12/8/2014	Ezra 3, 4	Proverbs 11
12/9/2014	Haggai	Proverbs 12
12/10/2014	Zechariah 1-3	Proverbs 13
12/11/2014	Zechariah 4-6	Proverbs 14
12/12/2014	Zechariah 7-9	Proverbs 15
12/13/2014	Zechariah 10, 11	Proverbs 16

Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Thursday

source

I Chronicles chapter 11

This is an account of the mighty deeds done before and during David's reign and the names of the heroic men who did them. Many of these men's names are also recorded in II Samuel.

Does God issue any commands?

• No, God did not speak.

Does God make any promises?

• No, but the promise that God made to David through Samuel was mentioned to him by the people when they gathered together and made him king in Hebron.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The Jebusites of Jerusalem told David that he would never prevail against them but he did and took the castle of Zion which he made his city. The confident worldly people today say that Jesus will never prevail but He will and will make Zion in Jerusalem His city.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• This account of the conquest of Jerusalem and the citadel of Zion which became the city of David is a foreshadow of coming events. Jesus will conquer the ungodly inhabitants of Jerusalem and will claim Zion as His city. Eventually it will be renewed as the New Jerusalem which will come down from Heaven and rest upon the earth.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Wednesday

source

I Chronicles 9:35-10:14

These verses review the lineage and life of Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul was from the family of the man that settled Gibeon. The verses at the end of chapter 9 are a repeat of chapter 8:29-38 but they contain additional information. For instance, in chapter 8 we are told that the "father of Gibeon" (most likely meaning "the founder of Gibeon") lived in Gibeon but it is not until chapter 9 that we are told that this man was named Jehiel. We are told in both places that his wife was Maachah.

We also now see how Mikloth and his son, Shimeam fit into the genealogy. There was not enough information in chapter 8 to determine his placement. See 8:32 and 9:37-38 plus the genealogy and description of the deeds of these men in Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Monday (click link) to compare.

If you look back in Judges chapters 19-21 you will see that there was a town named Gibeah that was a very wicked place. We are told in I Samuel 10:26 that Gibeah was Saul's home so it might be that Gibeon and Gibeah are synonymous or at the very least villages close together on the same hill. By comparing these three passages (Judges 19-21, I Samuel 10:26, and I Chronicles 9:35-44) we can assume that someone in Saul's lineage captured a damsel from either Jabesh-gilead or Shiloh and made her his wife. Perhaps the woman was Maachah who was captured and taken as a wife by the Benjamite man named Jehiel who would have been a survivor of the civil war and one of the men hidden in the rock Rimmon.

That could be why these passages consistently record the woman's name. She must have had quite a story and she was King Saul's great grandmother! I suspect she was one of the female children that survived the ambush on the village of Jabesh-gilead since many years later the men of that village made a daring raid after Saul's death to retrieve his body and those of his sons from the Philistines in order to give them a proper burial. (See  I Chronicles 10:11-12 and I Samuel 31:11-13 for that report.) I Chronicles chapter 10 succinctly tells of Saul's death.

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak in this passage.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak; however, we see the promises of God displayed in the lives of both Saul and David. God promised Saul would die because of his disobedience and God promised that David, the son of Jesse, would be the next ruler of Israel.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Saul's lineage demonstrated the works of men. His family came from one of the most despicable events to happen in all of Israel and was the cause of a civil war. In contrast, the lineage of the next king, David, showed the grace of God through whom Jesus descended. Contrast the last chapters of Judges with the book of Ruth to see how works compare to grace. Saul's great grandmother was Maacah, a woman who most likely was vilely captured after a civil war and forced into marriage. David's great grandmother was Ruth, a foreign woman who was offered a marriage of love by her kinsman redeemer. Jesus is our kinsman redeemer.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Not that I identified.

Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Tuesday

Village of Maonites or Mehunim
(public domain photo published in
Images from The Temple Dictionary of the Bible
shared here courtesy of Logos Bible Software)

I Chronicles 9:1-34

The beginning of this chapter tells us that the previous genealogies were kept in the records of the kings of Judah and Israel who were carried away into captivity. Then we are told that the first people to come back to their possessions were the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims*. What follows are the names of those that settled in Jerusalem from the families of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. We are also given the names of the priests who returned. We will encounter a few of these names later when we study Ezra and Nehemiah.

*Note: Nethinims, the name given to individuals set apart for service in the Temple is only found in the post-exilic books although Ezra 8:20 says that they were appointed and registered by David and the princes for tasks of service to the Levites. They could possibly have been slaves taken in war from conquered nations. (Mehunim, possibly descendants of Esau, could have been the people of Mount Seir that were captured in the days of King Hezekiah. These were listed as Nethinim in Ezra 2:50.)

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak; however, we can see a promise of God being fulfilled here with the return of the captives 70 years after they were taken to Babylon.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The priests are types of Christ, He who is Prophet, Priest, and King. As Priest, He ever lives to make intercession for [us]. (Hebrews 7:25)

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• We are shown by this text that even the most menial laborer in the Temple service had his job and name recorded. Since God keeps records of our deeds done for His service it would seem that no matter how menial a task, it is noticed by God and will one day be recognized and rewarded by Him.

Printable Bible Reading Schedule for 2015

source

2015. It's coming folks!

Now is the time to make plans to read through the Bible in a year. Next year to be exact.

Once again I am sharing the Bible Reading Schedule that I developed for reading through the Bible in a year by following a semi-chronological format. There is never an assignment on Sunday. That day is reserved for church and for catching up if you fall behind during the week. The schedule has been revised for 2015 and is now ready to print.

Disclaimer and permission: You have my permission to freely make copies and distribute them to others. You may not sell this schedule or in any way make merchandise of it.

The 2015 schedule can be downloaded directly using the link below. If you cannot access it a copy can be sent via email upon request.

Legal size paper is required. It is 2 pages in length and can be printed on one page, front and back, before folding. I keep a schedule in my Bible.

Click the graphic to open the printable schedule

Journal Through the Bible: Week 89 Monday

source

I Chronicles chapter 8

This is a list of the men of Benjamin which expands upon the information given in chapter 7. Some of the names are different but that is not that unusual in the Bible, or anywhere else for that matter (i.e. Betsy=Elizabeth, Polly=Mary, Jim=James, etc.).

This history of the tribe of Benjamin is meant to establish lineage for the captives returning from the Babylonian and Persian captivities as well as name the notable mighty men of the tribe. Notice that the author took particular pains to highlight the descendants of King Saul through Mephibosheth at the end of the chapter. This was the line that was granted terms of peace by King David because of the promise that he had made to Mephibosheth's father, David's princely friend Jonathan. It teaches us again that God keeps His promises as is illustrated here by David, the ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ.

23. Benjamin

24. Bela

25. Addar

25. Gera

25. Abihud

25. Abishua

25 Naaman

25. Ahoah

25. Gera

25. Shephuphan

25. Huram

25. Uzza

24. Ashbel

24. Aharah

24. Nohah

24. Rapha

We are told that the sons of Ehud (possibly the judge) are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba and that some of those men were sent into exile. &Naaman, Ahiah (Ahoah, perhaps?), and Gera were removed.

Shaharaim, a descendant of Benjamin that was sent away to the land of Moab, had children born to him there of his wives, Hushim, Baara, and Hodesh.

Of Hodesh

Jobab

Zibia

Mesha

Malcham

Jeuz

Shachia

Mirma

Of Hushim

Abitub

Elpaal

Eber

Misham

Shamed (who built Ono and Lod)

Beriah

Shema (who with Beriah inhabited Aijalon and drove away the inhabitants of Gath)

Heads of the fathers of Aijalon known as the sons of Beriah:

Ahio

Shashak

Jeremoth

Zebadiah

Arad

Ader

Michael

Ispah

Joah

Heads who were known as the sons of Elpaal:

Zebadiah

Meshullam

Hezeki

Heber

Ishmerai

Jezliah

Jobab

Heads known as the sons of Shimhi/Shema:

Jakim

Zichri

Zabdi

Elienai

Zilthai

Eliel

Adaiah

Beraiah

Shmrath

Heads known as the sons of Shashak:

Ishpan

Heber

Eliel

Abdon

Zichri

Hanan

Hananiah

Elam

Antotijah

Iphedeiah

Penuel

Heads known as the sons of Jeroham

Shamsherai

Shehariah

Athaliah

Jaresiah

Eliah

Zichri

These chief men lived in Jerusalem.

At Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, whose wife was Maachah. Their children were:

Abdon

Zur

Kish

Baal

Nadab

Gedor

Ahio

Zacher

Mikloth

Shimeah

Ner

Kish

Saul

Jonathan

Meribbaal/Mephibosheth

Micah

Pithon

Melech

Tarea

Ahaz

Jehoadah

Alemeth

Azmaveth

Zimri

Moza

Binea

Rapha

Eleasah

Azel

Azrikam

Bocheru

Ishmael

Sheariah

Obadiah

Hanan

Eshek

Ulam

Many mighty men of valour, archers.

Jehush

Eliphelet

Malchishua

Abinadab

Eshbaal/Ishbosheth

TAKE TIME: December 1-6, 2014 Assignment

Introduction: There are more genealogies in our reading this week but we also encounter the account of the reign of Saul and begin reading the account of the reign of David. These records contain information similar to that which is found in I and II Samuel. Those returning from captivity were being reminded of the faithfulness of God to keep His promises to them!

 Assignment:

• Monday - I Chronicles chapter 8
• Tuesday - I Chronicles 9:1-34
• Wednesday -  I Chronicles 9:35-10:14
• Thursday - I Chronicles chapter 11
• Friday - I Chronicles chapter 12
• Saturday - I Chronicles chapter 13

Memory Verse

 Review previous assignments.


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God that He is faithful! Give thanks to Him for the glorious things He has done for you.
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

Reading a review of the times of Saul and David should remind us that God is faithful to keep His promises. Make a list of the promises of God. Then give thanks to Him as you are reminded of everything He has done for you from the time of your birth up to the present time. (If you really try to make such a comprehensive list you will never complete it because His mercies are new every day!)

It's Cyber Monday!

I don't know about you but the busier my life becomes the more I find myself shopping online for gifts for family and friends. I also buy mood setters like Christmas music and decorations for myself as well. Christianbook.com is one of my "go to" websites and I recommend it highly for price and quality. Check them out this Cyber Monday.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate and when you click on the links below and buy products at this website I may be compensated.

Click graphic to reach the Christmas page

My 4 children enjoyed playing with Duplo and Lego building blocks when they were growing up and now my grandchildren love them, too! CBD carries many of these popular sets. Here are just a few that some of the kiddos in your life might enjoy:

LEGO Creator Power Digger By LEGO There's more to this digger than meets the eye! The LEGO Creator Power Digger is a 3 in one Lego set! Pick up any load and shovel deep holes with the powerful arm. Operate the rotating cab to work from any angle and open the engine compartment to carry out essential repairs. It even rebuilds into a dump truck or a front loader! The Power Digger features a working, flexible crane arm, rotating vehicle body, see-through cab window, chunky tires, warning light on the roof of the cab, opening engine section and a high visibility color scheme. The LEGO Creator Power Digger has a total of 64 pieces, and is designed for ages 6 - 12 years old.

LEGO Creator Family House By LEGO Settle into sleek and modern LEGO style in the 3 in 1 Family House! Fire up the grill for a backyard barbeque by the pond and play with the toy car. Open the garage door to take the car out for a spin! When the sun goes down head indoors to switch on the functioning light and curl up by the fireplace in the cozy living room. Rebuild into an industrial factory with delivery van and a surveillance camera or a slick Mediterranean villa with swimming pool and double patio doors using the supplied alternate building instructions. The LEGO® Creator Family House also includes a hanging lamp, garage with opening door, a small pond, trees, a yellow car, bed tables, arm chairs and so much more! LEGO Creator Family House has a total of 756 pieces, and is recommended for 8 - 12 year olds.

LEGO City Camper Van By LEGO Prepare for exciting outdoor adventures with the cool LEGO City Camper Van! Find the perfect riverside spot, offload the canoe from the roof and put on the life vests. Then push off into the water for an exciting day of exploration, before returning for a good night's sleep in the spacious Camper Van when the sun goes down. LEGO City Camper Van includes 2 adventurer mini figures. Camper Features opening doors, a canoe stored on the roof, roof compartments and lots of extra space. There are also 2 oars, 2 life vests and 2 coffee mugs to go with the Camper Van and canoe. The LEGO City Camper Van has a total of 195 pieces, and is designed for ages 5 - 12 years old.

WARNING: Small parts, not for small children.

LEGO City Race Car By LEGO Take on any racer with the super-speedy Race Car! Set the spoiler, blast away from the grid and race through extremely twisty corners. Finish the race ahead of the pack and lift the big winner's trophy! LEGO City Race Car includes a racecar driver with a racing helmet. It features adjustable spoiler and never-before-seen racing wheels for the buildable car, and a big winner's trophy. LEGO City Race car has a total of 100 pieces, and is designed for ages 5 - 12 years old.

WARNING: Small parts, not for small children.

LEGO Friends Sunshine Ranch By LEGO Time for some horseback riding fun with Mia down at the LEGO Friends Sunshine Ranch. Wake her up in the cozy apartment and make breakfast in the kitchen. Have her eat breakfast and take her downstairs to take care of the horses. This is where the fun really starts. Look after the foal and groom her, then go out riding with her friend Liza. There's a world of great adventures waiting for these best of friends.

Set includes

• Ranch animals: 2 horses, a foal, 2 bunnies, a cat and a hen
• Buildable ranch and apartment
• Building features: stables, outdoor seating area, toilet and bathroom, bedroom and a kitchen
• Accessories: egg, wheelbarrow, carrots and horse grooming tools

LEGO Friends Sunshine Ranch has a total of 721 pieces and is designed for ages 6 - 12 years old.

LEGO DUPLO Baby Zoo By LEGO Little ones will love the LEGO DUPLO Baby Zoo set! The friendly zoo keeper has lots to do as she nurses the young animals at the Baby Zoo. Learn all about the different animals by helping the zoo keeper take good care of these adorable baby animals!

LEGO DUPLO Baby Zoo is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity.
Baby Zoo includes:

• 4 Baby animals: a giraffe, polar bear, elephant and lion.
• One Zoo Keeper
• Total of 18 DUPLO bricks and play pieces

The LEGO DUPLO Baby Zoo is designed for ages 2-5 years old.

LEGO DUPLO My First Garden By LEGO It's a sunny day in the country side, perfect for growing lots of building fun in the LEGO DUPLO My First Garden set. While the goat and pony graze in the fields, the boy tends to his vegetables. Pick the ripe apples! Tend the garden with the pitchfork but be sure to build the fence to keep the hungry goat and pony away from the fruit! Includes boy LEGO DUPLO figure.

LEGO DUPLO My First Garden is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity
The LEGO DUPLO My First Garden includes:

• 1 Boy LEGO DUPLO  figure
• DUPLO base plate
• House with window and fence
• Accessories include: pitchfork, flowers apple tree with apple-decorated DUPLO brick and assorted DUPLO bricks.
• 2 Animals: Boat and Pony
• Total of 38 DUPLO bricks and pieces

LEGO DUPLO My First Garden is designed for 18 months- 5 years old.

LEGO  DUPLO  Creative Cars By LEGO Zoom around town with the LEGO DUPLO Creative Cars set featuring over 40 colorful, vehicle-themed DUPLO bricks to build and rebuild the coolest cars! With the special Combine & Create concept, your child can create vehicles of all shapes and sizes by combining just a few colorful bricks. This great set includes 3 wagon bases, decorated window, traffic and gas station logo bricks, a hose, engine, crane, truck body, spoiler elements and other assorted bricks. A colorful building inspiration poster is also included. Set includes a total of 40 pieces

The LEGO DUPLO Creative Cars set is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity. Creative Cars is designed for 18 months- 3 years old.

LEGO  DUPLO  My First Zoo By LEGO With LEGO DUPLO My First Zoo, it's another fun day at the zoo. With four cute animals, including a baby elephant, tiger, polar bear and giraffe, there's always something for the friendly zoo keeper to do, like feeding the animals. DUPLO bricks, figures and animals are colorful, safe and sturdy for little hands an big imaginations.

LEGO DUPLO My First Zoo is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity.
My First Zoo includes:

• 1 DUPLO figure zoo keeper
• 4 Animals: bay elephant, tiger, polar bear and giraffe
• Features Zoo Keeper Vehicle
• Set has a total of 60 LEGO DUPLO bricks and pieces

My First Zoo is recommended for ages 2-5 years old.

LEGO  DUPLO  Toddler Build and Play By LEGO Help your young child to explore, play and create with the all -new Toddler Build and Play Cubes! These extra-large LEGO DUPLO bricks are the perfect introduction to creative building for toddlers. This collection of 17 easy-to-handle bricks and elements in bright vibrant colors include 3 window cubes, a cute bear and assorted decorated bricks that are fully compatible with standard DUPLO bricks and elements. The box lid also doubles as a handy building plate.

The LEGO DUPLO Toddler Build and Play Cubes Set is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity
The LEGO DUPLO Toddler Build and Play Cubes Set comes with:

• 3 Window cubes
• Darling Bear
• Assorted decorated bricks
• Durable storage container
• Set has a total of 17 brilliantly colored DUPLO bricks and pieces.

The LEGO DUPLO Toddler Build and Play Cubes set is designed for 18 months-3 years old.

LEGO  DUPLO  Farm Animals By LEGO Teach your child all about the world of friendly Farm Animals with this fun LEGO DUPLO set. They will love recreating the noises that the sheep, rabbit, goat and pig make in real life and will enjoy building the shelter made of colorful DUPLO bricks. There's even a big flower for the animals to sniff and nibble on. Set has a total of 12 DUPLO bricks and pieces.

The LEGO DUPLO Farm Animals set is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity. Farm Animals set is designed for ages 2-5 years old.

LEGO  DUPLO  School Bus By LEGO All aboard the LEGO DUPLO School Bus! Build a bus shelter where the 2 children can check the timetable and wait for the bus to arrive. Help the bus driver stop at the traffic lights and drive to the shelter to pick up the children. Then head off for a busy day at school. Young children will love to build and rebuild this great model with big, brightly colored LEGO DUPLO bricks. Includes a bus driver and 2 child DUPLO figures.

LEGO DUPLO School Bus set is not only fun for little ones to play with, but it works on their fine motor skills, early logic and reasoning, as well as their creativity.
LEGO DUPLO School Bus set includes:

• Buildable school bus, bush shelter and traffic light (can be used to teach your child about traffic signals)
• Bus driver, and 2 children
• Accessories: 2 briefcases, a flower, extra bricks to help with storytelling

LEGO DUPLO School Bus is designed for ages 2- 5 years old.