Jesus figurines missing in Clintonville

CLINTONVILLE - A grinch in Clintonville is trying to take the Christ out of Christmas at three Lutheran churches.

The baby Jesus was stolen from the manger scenes at St. Paul, St. Martin and Christus Lutheran churches last week.

It's similar to a theft at a manger display in a Menominee, Mich. park earlier this month. 

The thefts haven't put a damper on Christmas in Clintonville. Pastor Brian Crocker of Christus Lutheran Church says while he hopes the baby Jesus is returned, Christmas is about far more than a figurine.

"We'll see what happens but whether or not it does, we know that the real thing is still here," said Crocker.

The thefts were discovered on Dec. 9. Crocker says the manger display at his church had been up for about a week. Clintonville police say prank or otherwise, the thefts are taken seriously.

"If somebody has their religious beliefs on whether or not it should be out there, they should take it up with the church not take someone's property. Removing someone's property is a theft and we intend to charge it if we locate the person," said Chief Terry Lorge.

Christians believe the birth of baby Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, but some traditionalists feel the baby Jesus doesn't belong in the manger scene until Christmas Eve.

"I was thinking that, by that logic, we shouldn't display the cross except on Good Friday," said Crocker.

Crocker says the baby Jesus was stolen from the manger display at the church several years ago and returned on Christmas Eve. While disappointed it has happened again, Crocker says he and others are trying not to take the incident too seriously.

"There was some discussion about using gorilla glue next time," Crocker said. "I think we will continue to put it out earlier in the Advent season, I know some people enjoy seeing it and for more than just one or two days a year."

Whether or not the baby Jesus returns to the manger displays, the celebration of the true meaning of Christmas will still go on.

Police say they will be keeping a close eye on the manger displays through Christmas.

Clintonville Police Chief Terry Lorge says the figurines have been missing for several days. So far, police have no suspects.
  
Lorge says a similar incident occurred a few years ago where a baby Jesus figurine was stolen, only to be returned on Christmas Eve.

Lorge says he believes this could be a similar instance, but says the thefts are still a crime and police will be watching the churches.