Musings at the Close of the Year

There are a number of firsts in life. The baby's first smile, its first step, its first "mama" or "dada." There are also firsts in the life of a minister. His first sermon in public, his first baptism, his first administration of the Lord's Supper. It is all so new, and such a thrilling experience. Then the time comes when he performs his last baptism, serves his last Lord's Supper, and preaches his last sermon. Should that last sermon be something special, if he were to know that it was his...