The Angel of Hope: A Beacon of Comfort and Healing

Unveiling the Heartwarming Origins

The Christmas Box Angel Statue, a symbol of hope and solace, gained worldwide recognition through the bestselling book and television movie, "The Christmas Box," penned by author Richard Paul Evans. The story revolves around a woman who finds solace at the base of an angel monument following the loss of her child. While the narrative is a work of fiction, it takes inspiration from a real angel monument, although this original angel statue is now believed to be lost.

A New Beginning: The Birth of an Angel

In response to the emotional impact of the Christmas Box story, Richard Paul Evans undertook the commissioning of a new angel statue. This compassionate endeavor resulted in the dedication of the monument on December 6, 1994, coinciding with the date of the child's passing in "The Christmas Box." It's noteworthy that December 6th is celebrated as Children's Day in various parts of the world, adding a layer of significance to this date.

Rooted in Salt Lake City

The Christmas Box Angel Statue found its home on land donated by Salt Lake City, thanks to the efforts of Sexton Paul Byron and then-Mayor Deedee Corradini. This remarkable sculpture is the collaborative creation of a father and son duo from Salt Lake City, Utah, Ortho and Jared Fairbanks. It was meticulously crafted to faithfully match the description in Evans' book, and the angel's countenance pays tribute to Evans' second daughter, Allyson-Danica. An understated yet powerful message of "hope" graces the angel's right wing (west).

A Living Tribute

The monument is adorned year-round with flowers from around the world, accompanied by heartfelt notes left by parents in memory of their "little angels." On the evening of December 6th at 7 p.m. MST, a candlelight healing ceremony takes place at the base of the Christmas Box Angel monument. This poignant event includes remarks, a moment of silence, and the soothing melodies of a children's choir. Attendees are invited to leave a white flower at the angel's base, fostering a sense of unity and healing. The ceremony is open to the public, extending an invitation to all who seek comfort and hope in the presence of this extraordinary statue.

Our Statue: A Testament to Community Generosity

We are profoundly grateful for the support of our community, which has made it possible for us to bring our own Angel of Hope Statue to the Kaysville Cemetery. The outpouring of donations and contributions from generous individuals has warmed our hearts and solidified our mission. Each donation, no matter how big or small, has played a crucial role in making this dream a reality. Our community's unity and shared dedication to providing comfort to those in grief are truly heartwarming.

Honoring Tradition: A Yearly Ceremony

Just like the time-honored tradition observed with the original Christmas Box Angel Statue, we plan to hold an annual ceremony on December 6th at the same time, 7 p.m. MST. This gathering will take place at the Kaysville Cemetery, by our very own Angel of Hope Statue, providing a place of solace and reflection for our community members during the challenging holiday season. It's a moment to come together, offer support, and remember our loved ones. We invite everyone to join us in continuing this tradition and keeping the flame of hope alive year after year.