Now What?

Heritage Happenings!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Wrapping Paper Is Everywhere—Now What?

The tree is still up.
The leftovers are multiplying.
And somewhere between returning gifts and finding batteries for new toys, a quiet question sneaks in:

Now what?

Christmas is not the finish line—it’s the starting point.
Jesus wasn’t born just to be admired in a manger; He was born to move in, rearrange the furniture of our hearts, and start knocking down walls we’ve grown strangely comfortable with.

The tragedy of Christmas is not that Christ was born in Bethlehem.
The tragedy is when He never gets born in us.

From Incarnation to Transformation

We love the idea of Jesus with us.
We’re a little less enthusiastic about Jesus changing us.

But Scripture never separates the two.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

Christ in you doesn’t mean Christ politely visiting.
It means Christ taking over.

And transformation doesn’t happen by holiday vibes alone—it happens through holy habits.

Holy Habits: How Change Actually Happens

Grace is free.
Change is costly.

You don’t drift into Christlikeness. You don’t try harder. You train for it.

Holy habits are simply this:
Small, obedient steps repeated over time that position us for God’s power.

Read Scripture when you don’t feel like it.
Pray when it feels awkward.
Show up when it would be easier to stay home.
Forgive when everything in you wants to keep the receipt.

You don’t become holy by accident—you become holy by alignment.

What Only God Can Do (And What He Won’t Do Without You)

Some changes are above your pay grade.

Only God can:

Heal what was done to you

Forgive what broke you

Redeem what you didn’t choose

Give you a new heart

You can’t self-help your way out of deep wounds.
You can’t discipline yourself into forgiveness.

Forgiveness is supernatural work.

But here’s the tension of the gospel:
God will not override your will.

He offers forgiveness freely—but you must receive it and release it.

Forgiven People Forgive People

This is where it gets uncomfortable.

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)

That verse doesn’t need Greek—it needs obedience.

We love grace when we’re the ones who need it.
We struggle with grace when we’re the ones who were wronged.

But Jesus is clear:
Your vertical forgiveness is proven by your horizontal forgiveness.

You can’t claim the cross while clutching grudges.

Forgiving Others (And Yourself)

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13

Some of us need to forgive them.
Some of us need to forgive ourselves.

You’ve been punishing yourself for sins God already forgave.
That’s not humility—that’s unbelief.

If God has forgiven you, who are you to keep holding court?

If Jesus said, “It is finished,” stop trying to reopen the case.

Forgiveness doesn’t excuse what happened.
It releases you from being chained to it.

And yes—
You will be judged not by how loudly you worship, but by how deeply you forgive.

Moving Forward Into a Changed Life

The day after Christmas asks us a holy question:

Will Christ simply be celebrated…
or will He be followed?

The new year won’t require new vibes.
It will require surrendered hearts, daily habits, and courageous forgiveness.

So here’s the call:

Let Christ be born in you

Let habits shape your obedience

Let God do what only He can

Let forgiveness flow through you

Because the world doesn’t need more people who celebrate Jesus once a year.

It needs people who look like Him all year long.

A Dangerous Closing Prayer:
Jesus, You were born not just to save us, but to change us. Tear down what doesn’t belong. Build what looks like You. Teach us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. And don’t let Christmas end without transformation beginning.

The Best Is Yet To Come

Rev. John Roberts

Christmas Eve at Heritage:

Resurrection Looks Like This

Christmas Eve didn’t just happen at Heritage this year—
God showed up.

At 5:00 pm, our Traditional Service, led by the choir, gathered 63 people who lifted voices and hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ.
At 7:00 pm, our Contemporary Service, led by the Heritage Praise Band, welcomed 53 people who worshiped with joy, volume, and expectancy.

Now let’s be honest.
In the grand scheme of church metrics, these numbers are small, and it’s not headline material.

But at Heritage, this was a resurrection moment.

Because these numbers don’t represent a crowd—they represent momentum.
They represent faithfulness.
They represent obedience.
They represent a church saying, “God, we’re still here—and we’re still saying yes.”

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)

One Church. Two Services. One Mission.

What happened on Christmas Eve matters because it reflects who we are becoming:

• Two worship expressions

• One community

• One mission

• One resurrecting God

We are not choosing sides.
We are choosing souls.

This isn’t about hymns versus drums.
This isn’t about preferences.
This is about people who need Jesus.

How Churches Grow (Hint: It’s Like Restaurants)

Church growth is not complicated—it’s relational.

Restaurants grow the same way churches do:

1. People come in

2. They experience the atmosphere

3. They are fed a good meal

4. They tell their friends

That’s it.

And here’s the key reminder for Heritage:

If you’re a member of this church, you wear an apron—not a bib.

We are here to serve, not be served.
To invite, not critique.
To feed others, not ask if the menu perfectly fits our taste.

Preaching quip:
This isn’t a food court—it’s a family kitchen.

Everything Short of Sin

Let’s say this clearly and boldly:

We will do everything short of sin to reach people for Jesus.

That means change.
That means growth.
That means stretching.
That means faith.

And yes—sometimes that means the music isn’t your favorite, the style isn’t familiar, or the plan isn’t comfortable.

But comfort has never resurrected a church.
Faith has.

Why Your Giving Matters (And Why It’s Not Too Late)

Resurrection requires investment.

As we close out the year, we invite you to prayerfully consider giving to our Year-End Giving Campaign. Your generosity helps us:

• Professionalize our ministries

• Strengthen worship and outreach

• Create environments where people encounter Christ

• Take the next faithful steps God is calling us to take

This isn’t about survival.
It’s about becoming all God has called us to be.

And honestly—

It’s time, isn’t it?

A Christmas Worth Celebrating

Christmas Eve at Heritage wasn’t small.
It was significant.

It was a reminder that God specializes in new life.
That resurrection starts quietly.
That faithfulness matters.
And that Jesus is still building His church.

Let’s keep showing up.
Let’s keep inviting.
Let’s keep serving.
Let’s keep giving.

Because the tomb is empty,
and so is the excuse to stay the same.

Merry Christmas, Heritage. The resurrection is underway.

Use this QR code to give today!

Church family,

I know December 28 isn’t usually considered a “big” Sunday.
But that’s no excuse to miss what God is stirring.

This Sunday, I’ll be sharing a message that God has laid heavily on my heart and mind—one that speaks directly to where many of us are right now and where God is calling us next.

It’s timely, personal, and I truly believe it will connect with your life in a meaningful way.

I won’t give the message away—but I will say this: It’s one you’ll want to hear as we close one season and prepare for what God has ahead.

Join us for worship this Sunday and bring a friend with you:
• 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship, led by the Heritage Choir
• 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship, led by the Heritage Praise Band

Come expectant. Come open. And don’t come alone.

Grace and peace,
Rev. John Roberts

Help Us Reach More People in 2026

The New Heritage Church YouTube Channel is one of the easiest ways you can help share Jesus this year.

By subscribing, sharing our Shorts, and sending videos to friends, you’re helping spread the gospel and grow our church—right from your phone.

Every share is evangelism. Every view is an invitation.

Subscribe today:
http://www.youtube.com/@HeritageChurchCypress

Let’s take the message of Christ farther than ever—together.

UGLY SWEATER SUNDAY IS COMING FOR YOU

Break out the knit nightmares.

Unearth the blinking reindeer.

Free the sweater that should never be worn in public—because THIS Sunday, December 28, it’s finally your moment.

Ugly Sweater Sunday is happening at BOTH worship services at Heritage Church, and we expect maximum cheer, minimal fashion sense, and absolutely zero shame.

Wear it loud. Wear it proud.
Sequins? Yes.
Jingle bells? Obviously.
Lights that may or may not violate fire code? …Let’s talk later.

Whether you’re worshiping at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM, come ready to celebrate the season with joy, laughter, and some truly questionable wardrobe choices.

Because nothing says Christmas at Heritage like praising Jesus while dressed like a festive disaster.

See you Sunday—ugly sweaters strongly encouraged.

Hope, Help, and Healing—You Don’t Have to Walk Alone

Separation and divorce can feel overwhelming. It’s one of life’s most painful seasons—often marked by confusion, loneliness, and deep emotional wounds. If this is where you find yourself, know this: you are not alone.

Heritage Church is honored to offer Divorce Care, a supportive weekly seminar and group experience created to walk with you through this difficult journey. This Christ-centered, biblically grounded program is designed to bring healing, understanding, and encouragement in a caring and structured setting.

What You Can Expect

Weekly Sessions (13 Weeks):
Each week includes a video presentation featuring trusted Christian counselors, pastors, and individuals who share their real-life stories of recovery and hope.

A Supportive Community:
You’ll connect with a small group of others who understand what you’re going through. This is a safe, welcoming environment where you’re free to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable—there’s never any pressure.

Practical, Real-Life Tools:
Sessions address topics such as anger, grief and depression, loneliness, financial and legal concerns, forgiveness, and learning to live single again—offering practical guidance for navigating each step forward.

Hope for What’s Ahead:
Most importantly, Divorce Care helps you apply biblical principles to rebuild your life, grow stronger, and rediscover hope for the future.

Join Us

Start Date: January 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Room, Heritage Church
14139 Huffmeister Road, Cypress, Texas 77429

Cost: Free to the Community

For More Information or to Register

Contact Rev. John Roberts at 361-876-0534
or visit: https://find.divorcecare.org/groups/284595/registrations/new

We encourage you to invite friends, family members, or anyone in the community who may benefit from this ministry. Healing is possible—and no one has to walk this road alone.