Who steals Jesus from a nativity scene?

Seriously… who does a thing like that?!

The Greeneville Parks and Recreation Department wants to know. They’re seeking the public’s assistance after the baby Jesus was stolen from the city’s nativity display at the softball field in Hardin Park.

A Facebook post puts the time of the theft at sometime between 8:30 and 9:45 p.m. Sunday, December 16.

Locals will recognize the display as the one that’s graced the park for the annual “Christmas in the Park” event.

The set was donated by J.T. and Betty Scott, who had previously used it to decorate their home. The couple set up the nativity scene in the park for several years. And after Mr. Scott’s death, Mrs. Scott continued to erect the display until health issues forced her to discontinue the tradition. Now the Parks and Recreation Department’s maintenance staff handles putting up the nativity set.

The Parks & Recreation Department reports the baby Jesus was swiped  two years ago, but was returned a few days later – along with a note of apology and a donation. The “blow-mold type” nativity has been part of the Christmas in the Park display for the past 21 years

Anyone with information, or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, is asked to call the Greeneville Parks and Recreation Department at 423-638-3144.