The Christmas season in Fort Collins, Colorado, took an unexpected turn when a cherished Baby Jesus statue, stolen from the nativity scene in Old Town Square, mysteriously reappeared at a local fire station.
The return of the statue was accompanied by a heartfelt apology note from the unknown culprit, leaving the community in a mix of relief, curiosity, and wonder.
The Theft That Rocked Old Town Square
On December 17th, the residents of Fort Collins were dismayed to find the traditional nativity scene in Old Town Square incomplete. The ceramic Baby Jesus statue, a centerpiece of the holiday display, had been stolen, causing a stir in the community.
The Fort Collins Police Department promptly released an image of a suspect, described as a blonde-haired individual, allegedly seen taking the statue.
The incident was met with disappointment and outrage, as the theft disrupted the festive spirit of the season. The police described the thief as a “Grinch” attempting to spoil Christmas for the community. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of dismay, with residents expressing their sadness over the act and calling for the statue’s safe return.
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The nativity scene, a symbol of unity and joy during the holiday season, felt incomplete without the Baby Jesus statue. Community members began to share the news in hopes of recovering the stolen figure and restoring the display.
An Unexpected Return and a Heartfelt Apology
Just days before Christmas, the Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins received a surprise delivery. The missing Baby Jesus statue was returned to the fire station, accompanied by a handwritten apology note. The note, taped to the statue’s face, read: “I am really sorry. I made a dumb mistake at the moment. It won’t happen again.”
The gesture left the community and authorities in a state of mixed emotions. While the thief’s identity remained unknown, the apology note revealed remorse and a sense of accountability.
The Fort Collins Police Department shared a photo on Instagram of two firemen holding the recovered statue, sparking a wave of relief and gratitude among the residents.
Despite the statue’s return, it was discovered that some of its fingers had been broken off. It remains unclear whether the damage occurred during the theft or afterward.
The Fort Collins community, however, chose to focus on the positive outcome—the Baby Jesus statue was back where it belonged, and the nativity scene was complete once again.
Reflection and Community Spirit
The incident and its resolution brought forward a sense of reflection and togetherness in Fort Collins. While the thief’s actions disrupted the holiday spirit, the gesture of returning the statue with an apology served as a reminder of the power of redemption and forgiveness.
Residents praised the effort to right a wrong, even as questions about the thief’s identity lingered. Some saw the incident as a lesson in accountability and the importance of upholding community values. Others appreciated the unity displayed by the town in rallying for the statue’s return.
The story of the stolen and returned Baby Jesus statue has since become a memorable tale for the residents of Fort Collins. It highlights the enduring spirit of Christmas and the ability of a community to come together, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏