For over 25 years, Rebekah Nugent said she's displayed a nativity scene in her yard on Live Oak Lane in Pace. However, Monday evening, Nugent said she noticed the baby Jesus figure was missing from the manger. She said she thought an animal might have taken it, but concluded it was unlikely since a wire goes through the crib to light the figure. "The cord had been unplugged," she said. Nugent went on, "I'd like to have baby Jesus back wrapped in swaddling clothes." She said the blanket, also missing, has sentimental value. She said it's sad to think something like this could happen. If it was the first year displayed, Nugent said, she could understand if maybe she'd offended somebody but she's been regularly displaying the creche for over two decades. At this time, Nugent says she hasn't contacted police or the sheriff's office; she just wants the baby Jesus figure back "no questions asked." To anyone who knows where the figure is or has any knowledge on its theft, contact the Santa Rosa Press Gazette at 623-2120 or leave a message on the Gazette's Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pace woman pleads for baby Jesus' return