A good opening line is vital for writers. If the first line doesn't grab you, chances are you probably won't read much further. A bad opening line is death for a novelist – but a great source of amusement for the rest of the world. Believe it or not, there is a contest for the worst of the worst: the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. A few of my favorites from this year's contest:

Through the verdant plains of North Umbria walked Waylon Ogglethorpe and, as he walked, the clouds whispered his name, the birds of the air sang his praises, and the beasts of the fields from smallest to greatest said, "There goes the most noble among men" -- in other words, a typical stroll for a schizophrenic ventriloquist with delusions of grandeur.
Tom Wallace, Columbia, SC

She walked into my office wearing a body that would make a man write bad checks, but in this paperless age you would first have to obtain her ABA Routing Transit Number and Account Number and then disable your own Overdraft Protection in order to do so.
Steve Lynch, San Marcos, CA

As Holmes, who had a nose for danger, quietly fingered the bloody knife and eyed the various body parts strewn along the dark, deserted highway, he placed his ear to the ground and, with his heart in his throat, silently mouthed to his companion, “Arm yourself, Watson, there is an evil hand afoot ahead. 
Dennis Pearce, Lexington, KY

Not exactly Dickens or Grisham, is it? Opening lines are vital.

So are closing lines.

Think of the movie Casablanca. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Can you imagine if the last line had been, “You're an OK guy, Louis.” No one would have quoted that 60 years after the fact.

Or take Gone With The Wind. “Tara! Home. I'll go home. And I'll think of some way to get him back. After all... tomorrow is another day.” A classic closing line.

Jesus' ministry began with a great opening line – straight from the Father Himself. "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." (Matthew 3:17, MSG) Quite the ringing endorsement from the Creator of the universe.

Amazingly enough, He wants to speak these words to each of us, as well. Think about it: All through scripture, we are called children of God (Matthew 18:1-5, Ephesians 5:1, I Peter 1:15). And the love of God for His kids is well documented (Romans 5:8, Psalm 59:17). Knowing this, is it really that much of a stretch to hear the words He spoke of Jesus spoken of us as well?

Here's the cool part: The last words that God speaks audibly to Jesus? The very same words. "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him." (Matthew 17:5, MSG) Peter, as an eye (ear?) witness, verifies this later (II Peter 1:15-17). Not a bad couple of lines to bookend an amazing period in a man's life. And, again, He longs to say these words to us. At the end of our earthly lives, the Father wants desperately to look into our eyes and say to each one of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)

I wish I had a great closing line to end this, but I can't outdo the Man Upstairs. Live your life in this Truth:
“You are My child, marked by My love, focus of My delight.”