“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” ~
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna
Good morning sweet souls. Isn’t the magnificent Saint Stephen’s Cathedral simply glowing with joy? I am certain this Cathedral has given comfort, peace, and joy to countless people throughout the years. Certainly, the reverence one would feel in this beautiful church would be a gift of joy.
And speaking of joy, I want you to know the joy your visit brings. I appreciate you and your comments more than you can imagine.
As this is the greatest season of ‘Joy,’ today, I would like to share the words of Fra Giovanni Giocondo, written on Christmas Eve 1513 to the Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi. I found this many years ago in a book written by Harry Davis. The book, “Forever Christmas,” is about Christmas at the home of someone I have long admired, Tasha Tudor. In the book, Davis states, “The words of Giocondo contain a philosophy that has guided her life.” I hope you, too, will find the writing as meaningful, reassuring, and lovely as I did.
“Take Joy” by Fra Giovanni Giocondo
I salute you! There is nothing I can give you
which you have not;
but there is much, that while I cannot give,
you can take.
No heaven can come to us
unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future
which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take Peace.
The gloom of the world
is but a shadow,
behind it, yet, within our reach,
is joy.
Take Joy.
And so, at this Christmas time,
I greet you,
with the prayer that for you,
now and forever, the day breaks
and the shadows flee away.
Wishing you and yours beautiful December days.
And may you “now and forever,”
“Take Joy.”
Joyeux Noël,
Sandra
Notes: Fra Giovanni Giocondo was a Franciscan friar, architect, archaeologist, and scholar. He was born c. 1433, Verona, Republic of Venice and died July 1, 1515, Rome.
Tasha Tudor, 1915~2008, was an author and illustrator of many children’s books. She was also an avid gardener and authority on 18th century home skills.
Image: via tumblr
Sandra, the Vienna Cathedral is beautiful, Vienna is on my bucket list. “Take Joy” is a lovely writing and reminds us of what is truly important. It is a daily decision we make, and I pray that I will choose joy! Sandra, your Sunday posts are heartwarming my friend!
Pam, many thanks dear friend for your kind words and encouragement. I agree that Vienna would be a wonderful city to visit.
Wishing you and your lovely family a beautiful and joyful Sunday, as we go a little more toward the most special day of Christmas.❤
This is so beautiful, Sandra. Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the ROman Catholic faith. Indeed, a celebration of the promise of heaven, peace and joy!
Good morning, Rita. I am happy you enjoyed the writing. The promise of heaven, peace, and joy is truly something to celebrate. Wishing you a beautiful day.
What a beautiful cathedral! Have a joyous season Sandra!
Thanks, Penny. The very same to you.
Sandra, what a beautiful way to start our Sunday! The cathedral is stunning, and I agree it has most certainly brought many comfort, peace, and joy. “Take Joy” is such a lovely writing. Thank you for sharing this with us, and thank you my friend for the peace and joy your Sunday Thoughts always bring me. Enjoy these joyous December days, sweet friend!!!
Dear Shannon, thank you so much for your lovely and kind words. I appreciate them and you more than you can imagine. Wishing you and yours lovely December days.❤
Saint Stevens Cathedral is gorgeous and specially decorated so beautifully for Christmas. I’ve been to Venice but did not see this cathedral.I’m pinning this gorgeous cathedral picture.
I felt such joy this weekend. Joy and peace are truly gifts from the Lord.
Thank you Sandra, for your lovely posts each Sunday. Blessings to you sweet friend.
Bonnie, you are correct, joy and peace are gifts from our Lord. I am so pleased you enjoy my Sunday Thoughts. Blessings to you, sweet friend, and to your family during this glorious season.
ps. Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is in Vienna, Austria.
Your post is a gift of joy! The Cathedral is wonderful and that text is adorable! Blessings!
Many thanks, Maristella. Blessings to you as well during this most beautiful month and always.
What could be more magnificent — this glorious cathedral or the eloquent “Take Joy.” I may need to print that out to give to my Christmas guests this year. It’s really so important, maybe more so these days than ever. Thank you for sharing this one. (And I love Tasha Tudor, too!)
Many thanks, Jeanie. I thought it was so meaningful and important. Wishing you a lovely day, I bet you have snow. ❤?