The Illumination Station theme for VBS 2026 invites kids to explore a powerful truth: Jesus doesn’t just give light—He is the Light. This stained glass jar craft turns that truth into something tangible children can hold, display, and remember long after VBS ends.
This craft works especially well as a quiet, reflective station, balancing energy-heavy rotations with creativity, Scripture, and conversation.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘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 (NLT)
Why This Craft Works for Illumination Station
- Theology made visible – Light shining through color reinforces how Jesus shines through us.
- Multi-sensory – Kids cut, glue, arrange, and see light transform their work.
- Take-home discipleship – A visual reminder families will actually keep.
- Scalable – Works for preschool through elementary with small adjustments.
“Faith is not only taught by words but is often formed by what the hands make and the eyes behold.”
— John Chrysostom (adapted)
Craft Overview
Craft Name: Jesus Is the Light Stained Glass Jar
Age Range: 4–11 (with adaptations)
Time Needed: 15–25 minutes
Mess Level: Low–moderate
Station Type: Creative + Reflective
Supplies Needed (Per Child)
- Clear plastic jar or wide-mouth plastic cup
- Colored tissue paper (pre-cut squares or torn pieces)
- Clear-drying school glue or Mod Podge
- Foam brush or paintbrush
- LED tealight (battery-powered only)
- Black cardstock or printable label
- Scissors (safety scissors for younger kids)
- Twine or yarn (optional for decoration)
Prep Tip:
Pre-cut tissue paper into 1–2 inch pieces and pre-print “JESUS IS THE LIGHT” labels to save time during rotation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Introduce the Meaning (2 minutes)
Begin with a short prompt:
“What happens when you turn on a light in a dark room?”
Explain that Jesus brings clarity, hope, and life wherever there is darkness.
Read John 8:12 aloud (NLT), then show a finished example of the jar.
2. Apply Glue to the Jar
Kids brush a thin layer of glue onto the outside of the jar, working in small sections.
Leader Tip:
Too much glue makes tissue slide. Thin layers work best.
3. Create the ‘Stained Glass’ Effect
Kids place colored tissue pieces onto the glued sections, overlapping slightly.
Encourage variety—no two jars should look the same.
“God’s light is one, but it shines through many lives.”
— Augustine (paraphrased)
4. Seal the Design
Once covered, brush another thin layer of glue over the tissue paper to seal it.
Set jars aside for a few minutes to dry.
5. Add the Message
Attach the “JESUS IS THE LIGHT” label to the front of the jar.
Optional: punch two holes near the top and tie twine for a lantern look.
6. Insert the Light
Place the LED tealight inside and turn it on.
Dim the room lights if possible and let kids see the transformation.
Discussion Questions (While Crafting)
- Where do you see darkness in the world today?
- How does Jesus help us when we feel afraid or confused?
- How can you shine Jesus’ light at home or school?
Keep answers short—this station is about wonder, not lectures.
Safety Notes (Non-Obvious but Important)
- Use LED candles only—no real flames.
- Plastic jars are recommended for younger age groups.
- Adult helpers should manage glue amounts for preschoolers.
Optional Variations
- Glow Night Upgrade: Use glow-in-the-dark tissue accents or paint dots.
- Family Night Version: Let families create one large jar together.
- Scripture Wrap: Add John 8:12 printed around the jar rim.
The Deeper Lesson Leaders Should Remember
Light doesn’t argue with darkness.
It simply shows up—and darkness retreats.
That’s the gospel in miniature.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
— John 1:5 (NLT)
Final Thought for Leaders
This craft is not about perfection—it’s about illumination.
Every uneven edge and overlapping color becomes a reminder that Jesus shines through imperfect lives.
If you’re building your VBS 2026 Illumination Station, this craft anchors theology, creativity, and memory in one simple jar.
