Baby Jesus stolen from church again

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Every December, the Easthampton Congregational Church proudly displays its Christmas Nativity Scene in the center of Easthampton, but now that display is missing its Baby Jesus. The theft happened over the weekend, when apparently whoever stole the Baby Jesus ripped the entire manger off of the wooden stage. There were metal brackets holding the manger in place.

Lewis Scott, a member of the church's House Committee, told 22News that he fears that the manger will be damaged because the thieves must have used force to rip it from its place. He said the entire statue of the Baby Jesus in the manager costs about $800 to replace, and that it is the second time the statue been stolen. It was stolen two years ago before it reappeared on Christmas morning. They are hoping that's what will happen this year.

“We'd like a second Christmas miracle. If somebody's out there who has it, hopefully the spirit will move them. This is the time for not selfishness, but the job of giving. We'd like you to give our Baby Jesus back,” Scott said. Scott also said that they will not ask any questions to whoever brings it back. They just want their nativity display to be complete.