The Gospel's Core Headline

What story is dominating the headlines of your life? As we enter the Advent season, we are preparing our hearts to receive the ONLY headline that matters: Jesus is our savior.

And this headline should change EVERYTHING.

In this reflection, I introduce a word most Christians have never heard: kerygma.

In the ancient world, a kerygma was a headline delivered by a herald—news that was so big it rewrote your whole day...and maybe your entire identity.

And the early Church used that exact word to describe the Gospel. Because the good news that God loves you, that He sent His Son for you, that He calls you into eternal life—that’s not just another news brief in your spiritual life. That’s the headline under which everything else gets reorganized.

And if you're living with the Gospel as your headline, then your life is not a story written by your sin, weaknesses, and wounds. It's a much bigger story rewritten by a baby born in Bethlehem...a savior who dies on a cross...and a Resurrection that makes all things new.

I invite you to slow down this Advent and really soak in the power of the Gospel headline and what it means for you: Our savior is coming! Let him be born anew in your heart this Christmas.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Kerygma means a life-changing announcement. What parts of your life are still competing with Jesus for the “headline spot” today?
2. Think of a time when an announcement seemed to restructure everything (pregnancy, job change, illness, etc.) How did God show up in that moment?
3. If Jesus rewrote the headline of your life today, what would it say?
4. What area of your life feels the least “made new," and how might Jesus be inviting you to see it differently? 5. What would "believing the Good News" look like in your habits this Advent? What are you willing to do in your spiritual life to make this season different?

-----

Giving Tuesday is three days away and we could really use your support this year as we begin producing CORE, a transformative Confirmation prep series for today's teens. 

We need to raise $2.1 million to complete it in a way that is high-quality, relevant, and effective to lead our youngest generation to a life of joy and purpose in Christ. We are more than halfway to our goal, so please make a gift to get us the rest of the way!

Thank you for partnering with us on this life-changing program that will have a generational impact on the Catholic Church.

-----
Sign up for Chris Stefanick's daily Advent reflections: https://reallifecatholic.com/daily-anchor-advent/
-----
Join the mission to spread the joy of the Gospel! Become a Missionary of Joy to support this free content: https://bit.ly/4nTHbN0
-----
Join Chris Stefanick on pilgrimage to Poland and Prague: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/12693/