Stolen Nativity Recovered in Alaska

Father Michael Shields of St. Michael’s Parish in Palmer, Alaska, recovered a stolen nativity scene on Thursday night after local residents spotted the missing display on social media. The handcrafted wooden crèche cabin, valued at tens of thousands of dollars, had vanished from the church parking lot earlier in the week.

The nativity scene sat on a flatbed trailer in the church lot when it disappeared, according to Shields. It was last seen there on Tuesday or Wednesday. The theft triggered a rapid response from the community, with sightings reported on Facebook within days.

A tip placed the missing item along the Glenn Highway near Chickaloon. Shields drove to the location at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday to search for the scene himself. He did not spot it during his drive. Palmer police officers, however, located the display while searching the area.

Officers contacted Shields to confirm they had found the crèche. The scene was in good condition, partially hidden among trees. Shields believes the thieves abandoned the display after the flatbed trailer’s tires went flat. The identity of those who took it remains unknown.

The nativity scene was built over seven years by parishioners who paid for the construction. Shields stated the figurines, modeled after an Italian image of Jesus, are worth between $25,000 and $30,000. He called the recovery a Christmas miracle, noting he had not expected to get it back.

The pastor said the news of the theft spread across the valley, from Glennallen to Valdez. He noted that the community response showed deep concern and hope. The nativity scene will be installed near the Palmer train depot in the center of town.