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Stolen Baby Jesus Figure Sparks Outrage

By: Mark Hiller

Updated: January 4, 2013

Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County -- Lori and John Michael looked over the $3,000 nativity set they bought to display in Schuylkill Haven this holiday season. "We wanted to do the nativity this year because this is why we celebrate Christmas -- the birth of Jesus," said Mrs. Michael. But now the baby Jesus figure is missing. They discovered it stolen Thursday morning outside their West Main Street home health care business, Lori's Angels. They don't believe they were specifically targeted but they are still outraged. "It was just a malicious, silly, stupid thing and it's hurtful and disrespectful of other people and other people's property," said Mrs. Michael.

Her husband looked along nearby railroad tracks and the banks of the Schuylkill River hoping to find the baby Jesus figure. "It was made out of resin. It probably weighed about two to three pounds. It was about a normal baby size about 20 inches in length. I'm thinking that if it didn't hit some rocks or something it could have floated," said Mr. Michael.

The baby Jesus theft wasn't the only crime committed at the Michaels' Nativity scene. The couple had to glue back on the sheep's ear after someone smashed it off on Christmas day. News of the latest manger setting crime is spreading throughout Schuylkill Haven. "A terrible thing. I don't understand why people have to have fun in that manner. It just doesn't make any sense," said Allen Kiefer of Schuylkill Haven.

The owners of the nativity set hope if the thief still has the baby Jesus figure, that person will do the right thing. "They need to grow up and take responsibility and returning it would be an awesome start to doing that," said Mrs. Michael.

The Michaels say if the thief doesn't return the baby Jesus figure, they will buy another to replace it for next Christmas. Anyone with information on the stolen statue's whereabouts should call Schuylkill Haven police at 570-385-9111 or Lori's Angels at 570-385-8450.