A stolen baby Jesus statue has been returned to a Colorado community, accompanied by an unexpected note of apology just days before Christmas.
At a Glance
- A ceramic baby Jesus statue was stolen from a nativity scene in Fort Collins, Colorado on December 17th
- The thief anonymously returned the statue to a local fire station with a note asking for forgiveness
- The note described the theft as a “dumb mistake” and promised it wouldn’t happen again
- The statue was returned with minor damage, including some broken fingers
- Police have released a photo of a suspect but have no further information on the thief’s identity
Holiday Heist and Humble Return
The tranquility of Fort Collins, Colorado’s Old Town Square was disrupted on December 17th when a ceramic baby Jesus statue vanished from the community’s cherished nativity scene. The theft left locals dismayed and questioning the spirit of the season. However, in an unexpected turn of events that has rekindled faith in humanity, the statue has been safely returned, albeit with a twist that has captured the attention of residents and authorities alike.
The stolen figurine made its way back to the community through an unconventional route. Rather than replacing it in the nativity scene under cover of darkness, the repentant thief chose to leave the statue at a local fire station. This act of contrition was accompanied by a note that has since become the talk of the town, offering a glimpse into the mindset of the individual responsible for the holiday heist.
Thief returns stolen baby Jesus statue with note asking forgiveness for ‘dumb mistake’ https://t.co/hmVrTfoMd9 pic.twitter.com/kUwGMSkU0f
— New York Post (@nypost) December 26, 2024
The note left with the returned statue revealed a remorseful individual grappling with the consequences of their actions. Describing the theft as a “dumb mistake,” the anonymous writer pleaded for forgiveness and vowed that such an incident would not occur again. This humble admission has sparked conversations about redemption and second chances, themes that resonate deeply during the Christmas season.
While the identity of the thief remains unknown, their actions have inadvertently brought the community closer together. The return of the statue has become a tangible reminder of the power of conscience and the possibility of making amends, even in the face of wrongdoing. It serves as a poignant example of the holiday spirit prevailing over momentary lapses in judgment.
Upon inspection, authorities noted that the statue had sustained some damage, with several fingers broken off. It remains unclear whether this occurred during the theft or in the process of its return. Despite this, the community has expressed relief and gratitude for the statue’s safe return, viewing the minor imperfections as secondary to the significance of its homecoming.
Law enforcement has taken a measured approach to the incident. While a photo of a suspect has been released, police have chosen not to divulge further details about the case. This decision aligns with the season’s themes of forgiveness and goodwill, allowing the focus to remain on the positive outcome rather than punitive measures.
