Concordia Publishing House is excited to announce a brand-new Vacation Bible School option that emphasizes hymnody and catechesis as it teaches children about our Savior, Jesus. At Wake, Awake: Watching for Jesus Hymn VBS, children learn the wonderful truth that Christ, who once came to this world to save us, will come again and take all believers to live with Him forever in the new creation.
The Wake, Awake Hymn VBS Guide
The title of this VBS comes from a beautiful hymn about the promise of Christ’s return and how God’s people prepare and watch for Him with joy and anticipation: “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (Lutheran Service Book 516). The elements within the Wake, Awake Hymn VBS guide explore the biblical themes of this hymn and were designed to share the hope-filled message that Jesus, who once came to this world to save us, will one day come again.
The following components are included in the Wake, Awake Hymn VBS guide:
- Opening and Closing Worship
- Bible Lessons*
- Catechism Lessons*
- Hymn Lessons*
- Craft
- Snacks
- Games
- Coloring and Activity Pages
- Family Letters
- VBS Planning and Logistics
*Two levels are provided for the Bible, catechism, and hymn lessons. The Prereader Lessons were created for younger participants who do not yet read on their own. The Reader Lessons are for older children who are independent readers.
A downloadable version of the Hymn VBS guide and other helpful resources are included with your Wake, Awake Hymn VBS purchase. You can find all the digital resources in the online digital content center. Digital resources include the following:
- Downloads from the printed guide (full guide and separate components)
- Downloadable logos
- Hymn recording
- Answers for Activity Pages
- Three design options of the hymn score (for craft)
- Christian symbol clip art (for craft)
- Volunteer commissioning
Hymn VBS 2026 Highlights
Opening and Closing Worship
Each day at Wake, Awake begins with opening worship, where children, leaders, and helpers gather together to sing, hear God’s Word, and pray. The full order of Matins is included in the guide and can be used for opening or closing worship. An alternate opening worship option and closing worship are adapted from the orders of Morning and Noon Daily Prayers found in Lutheran Service Book. Using daily Scripture and catechism readings that align with the Bible and catechism lessons helps everyone focus in on the central truth for each day.
Bible Lessons
The Bible lessons engage children with five New Testament Bible accounts that illustrate key biblical themes from the hymn and teach the central truth for each day. Each Bible narrative shows how we watch and prepare for Jesus and His return!
Bible Lessons include
• The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1–11)
• Peter Realizes His Sinfulness (Luke 5:1–11)
• The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)
• Jesus Raises Jairus’s Daughter (Mark 5:21–24, 35–43)
• A Great Multitude Praises God (Revelation 7:9–17)
Catechism Lessons
For centuries, Luther’s Small Catechism has been used in homes, schools, and churches to teach the basics of our Christian faith. In the catechism lessons, children engage with the catechism and learn how Lutheran doctrine teaches us truths about our God. Children also learn and talk about the daily Bible verse as part of the lesson.
Hymn Lessons
In the hymn lessons, children learn and sing the hymn “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying.” They also learn the history and explore the rich theology and imagery found in the hymn stanzas.
Craft
Directions for a five-lesson craft project are included in the Hymn VBS guide. At the end of their time at VBS, children will have made a beautiful illuminated hymn featuring “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying.” Several design options of the hymn and clip art of Christian symbols are provided. This craft can be made by children of all ages! Craft instructions give suggestions on how to adapt for various ages and abilities.
Games
Games give children a chance to stretch their legs and get their wiggles out! Two game options are provided for each lesson, as well as talking points to make connections to the Bible narrative or the hymn. A few of the games included in the guide are
- Hosanna Hustle
- Palm Tree Relay
- Lamplight Limbo
- Hot Potato Hymn Sing
Snacks
Two snack options are offered for each lesson and have been specially created to tie in with and reinforce the biblical theme for each day. Some of the snack directions included are
- Fish in the Net
- Wedding Torches
- Asleep, Awake Mix
- Cup of Promise
We hope you enjoyed exploring the components of the new Hymn VBS, Wake, Awake: Watching for Jesus. The CPH team is excited to see how Hymn VBS 2026 will help churches spread the Good News within their own communities!
Foster children’s understanding and appreciation of Lutheran worship, doctrine, and hymnody with Wake, Awake VBS.
