NY Times: Nativity Scene Thefts Rise in Era 'Not Living the Gospel'

Communities are forced into elaborate security measures to combat a rise in Nativity scene thefts, because as one pastor told The New York Times: "People aren't living the gospel."

"Such manger larceny, in glaring violation of the Eighth Commandment, is also part of a sad national trend," the Times wrote Sunday. "This year, thieves have raided Nativity scenes in Tennessee, West Virginia, Minnesota, and plenty of other places, and made off with Jesus figurines (and sometimes Mary and a donkey, too)."

Keeping baby Jesus in the manger is now requiring cameras, tethers, bolts, and GPS tracking devices, the Times reported.

"It brings tears to your eyes, and I'm not even that religious of a person," Rick Takacs told the Times.

Minnesota Rev. Anthony Craig, whose church was a victim of Nativity theft, told the Times these thefts are proof "people aren't living the gospel" and "kind of gives an urgency to our message."

"I'm really more concerned about the persons who have taken this and the state of their soul," Father Craig told the Times. "I'd really value just a conversation with them and to welcome them into our parish."

West Virginia pastor Kurt Busiek has found a silver lining in the Nativity thefts at his church.

"My thought is, 'Hey, if they steal that one, we'll keep putting it out,'" he told the Times. "I can't think of a better way to get the message of Christmas out than for people to keep taking Jesus home."

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