Every year, churches across the world pull out all the stops to host Vacation Bible School—a week that shapes young hearts through fun, fellowship and faith. For 2026, Lifeway Christian Resources is inviting churches to “Shine a Light on Who Jesus Really Is” with Illumination Station. This theme goes beyond neon signs and glow sticks; it confronts cultural confusion about Jesus and brings kids face‑to‑face with His true identity.

The heart of the theme

In a media‑saturated culture, many adults and children hold superficial or incorrect views of Jesus. Some view Him as merely a wise teacher, others as a myth or a moral example. Illumination Station deliberately tackles these misconceptions (see footnote [2]). The program’s motto—“Jesus is the Light of the world”—echoes Jesus’ declaration in John 8:12 that anyone who follows Him will never walk in darkness (footnote [1]). In the New Living Translation (NLT), Jesus says:

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)

This message anchors the week’s activities and Bible lessons. Each day poses a Spotlight Question confronting a common misunderstanding. Kids learn that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the perfect and powerful Son of God, the proven resurrected Savior and the only way to God’s forgiveness (footnote [1]). By the end of the week, participants understand that Jesus is who Scripture says He is—not merely a historical figure, but the living Son of God.

Daily encounters with truth

Illumination Station isn’t just about telling kids that Jesus is special; it walks them through Scripture to demonstrate it. Each day explores a different truth and answers a critical question:

• Day 1 – Jesus Is God’s Promised Son. Children study Matthew 16:13‑20 and Peter’s confession that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” The lesson underscores that Jesus is more than a teacher; He is the fulfillment of God’s promises.
• Day 2 – Jesus Is God’s Perfect Son. Through the baptism narratives (Matthew 3; Mark 1; John 1), kids see heaven’s declaration: “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
• Day 3 – Jesus Is the Powerful Son of God. Miracle stories reveal that Jesus’ works matched His claims. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus says, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”
• Day 4 – Jesus Is the Proven Son of God. Children learn that Jesus’ death and resurrection prove He is who He claimed to be.
• Day 5 – Jesus Is God’s Plan for Forgiveness. From Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, participants hear the call to repent and receive forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

These lessons help kids answer Jesus’ question to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Each day’s message invites them not just to know about Jesus but to respond to Him personally.

Light-themed experiences

Illumination Station is built around rotation sites that bring the theme to life. Kids begin and end their day at Illumination Station Worship Rally before cycling through Spotlight Bible Study, Kaleidoscope Crafts, Glow‑in‑the‑dark Missions, Mirror Ball Music, Neon Snacks and Suncatcher Rec (footnote [1]). These rotations encourage multi‑sensory learning:

• Worship Rally & Mirror Ball Music combine energetic singing with shimmering lights, teaching that worship is both celebratory and reverent.
• Spotlight Bible Study allows small groups to wrestle with the daily question through storytelling, dramatizations and object lessons.
• Kaleidoscope Crafts and Suncatcher Rec offer hands‑on activities that use prisms, mirrors and sunlight to illustrate spiritual truths about reflection and transformation.
• Glow‑in‑the‑dark Missions demonstrate that shining Jesus’ light includes serving others—such as making luminary bags for nursing homes or raising money for global missions.
• Neon Snacks reinforce the theme through bright, healthy treats (think fruit skewers under black light or glow‑in‑the‑dark gelatin).

Churches can customize the decorations. Lifeway encourages leaders to create a celebratory atmosphere full of light rather than dark rooms (footnote [2]). Use strings of LED lights, neon paint, reflective materials and disco balls. For a cost‑effective approach, repurpose Christmas lights or borrow DJ lighting equipment. Safety matters too; choose non‑toxic glow sticks and avoid strobe lights if children in your community are sensitive to flashing lights.

Beyond traditional VBS: technology and innovation

While Lifeway stresses that the content—not the theme—is the heart of VBS (footnote [3]), there is room for creative technology that enhances learning. Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) could help children visualize biblical scenes, such as watching the empty tomb fill with light. QR codes on crafts might link to interactive devotionals. These innovations should support, not distract from, the gospel message.

Inclusivity and adaptability

VBS is for everyone. Lifeway offers special‑needs resources, but planning teams should also prepare quiet spaces, visual schedules and noise‑reducing tools for children with sensory processing differences. Volunteer training should include trauma‑informed strategies so that every child feels safe and valued. The theme is scalable: small churches can combine age groups and simplify decorations; large churches might build elaborate “stations” with interactive displays.

Why Illumination Station matters

Research highlighted by Lifeway shows that VBS remains one of the most effective outreach opportunities. More than half of Americans have attended VBS, and most say it positively influenced their spiritual growth (footnote [2]). A single week of VBS equates to about 15 hours of discipleship—the equivalent of seven months of Sunday school (footnote [3]). Illumination Station is not simply about fun; it provides a comprehensive, gospel‑centered program that can change lives. Peter’s call in Acts 2:38, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” remains as relevant today.

Bringing the light home

At the end of Illumination Station, children will know that Jesus is the Messiah, God’s perfect, powerful and proven Son, and God’s plan for forgiveness. Yet the real impact happens when families continue the conversation. Provide parents with daily recap cards, memory‑verse challenges and ideas for “light” activities at home—like a candlelit family devotion or a flashlight scavenger hunt tied to Bible verses. Encourage kids to share the theme verse with friends and invite them to church.

Illumination Station isn’t just another program; it’s a week‑long experience designed to dispel darkness and bring the light of Christ into young hearts. As you plan your 2026 VBS, embrace the opportunity to present Jesus clearly, creatively and compassionately. In doing so, you’ll help children move from simply knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him—and that’s the brightest outcome of all.