Christmas is the season of miracles. It’s a time when even the most hardened hearts can find a glimmer of light, a moment of clarity.
Around the world, billions celebrate by putting aside their differences, embracing hope, and reflecting on the birth of a savior who offered redemption to all. In this season of goodwill, stories of transformation and reconciliation remind us that no one is beyond hope—not even a thief.
But what happens when someone’s “dumb mistake” turns into an unexpected moment of redemption? In a Colorado town, a thief who couldn’t resist the allure of a ceramic baby Jesus found themselves reconsidering their actions.
What they tried to steal—and how they chose to make amends—is a tale straight out of a modern Christmas parable.
From New York Post:
A penitent thief returned a ceramic baby Jesus to a Colorado fire station with a chicken-scratch note that asked for forgiveness for the “dumb mistake.”
The Fort Collins, Co., Old Town Square nativity scene had been missing the iconic baby Jesus since Dec. 17th — but it was returned by an anonymous thief just in time for the religious holiday, according to Fox9.
The Tale of the Ceramic Baby Jesus
In Fort Collins, Colorado, the Old Town Square nativity scene was missing something essential: the baby Jesus. The iconic ceramic statue vanished on December 17, leaving the town without the centerpiece of its holiday display.
Authorities suspected foul play and even released an image of the suspected thief, caught on camera during the act. The thief, blonde-haired and brazen, had walked away with the symbol of the season.
But then came the twist no one expected. Just days later, the ceramic baby Jesus was returned to the local fire station.
Along with it came a note—hastily scribbled but sincere—that offered a heartfelt apology. “I’m really sorry,” it read. “I made a dumb mistake in the moment. It won’t happen again.”
Whether motivated by guilt, holiday spirit, or fear of divine lightning bolts, the thief’s decision to return the stolen statue turned a crime into a moment of humility. Yet, as with many redemption stories, not everything was perfect.
Some of the statue’s fingers were broken off during the ordeal. Authorities aren’t sure if the damage occurred during the theft or the return journey. Either way, the message was clear: repentance isn’t always neat and tidy, but it’s better than nothing.
A Modern Dismas at Christmas
The thief’s story has drawn comparisons to Dismas, the penitent thief crucified alongside Jesus in the Bible. While this thief’s act didn’t involve crosses or conversions, their gesture of returning the statue echoes the spirit of seeking forgiveness.
Of course, the “half-hearted” note doesn’t exactly scream profound remorse. But hey, baby steps.
The Fort Collins Police, having initially sought information about the theft, now seem content to let the matter rest.
No further details about the thief’s identity are known. And honestly, does anyone want to ruin a good redemption story by pressing charges? It’s Christmas, after all.
Why This Story Resonates
This quirky little tale reminds us that Christmas has a way of nudging people toward goodness, even if they stumble along the way.
It’s not just about the return of a ceramic baby Jesus; it’s about what that act represents. A thief who made a mistake—and owned up to it—gave a community a small but meaningful moment of hope.
For some, the broken fingers on the statue might symbolize the imperfections in all of us. None of us get it completely right.
But when we try to fix our wrongs, even in small ways, we tap into the spirit of the season. And if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, well, maybe you need to spend more time around nativity scenes.
Key Takeaways:
- Christmas is a time of miracles, even for those who’ve made mistakes.
- A penitent thief in Colorado returned a stolen baby Jesus, proving it’s never too late to do the right thing.
- Even when life gets messy, a little humility can go a long way—just like broken fingers on a ceramic statue.
Source: New York Post
