Jesus stolen from Brussels nativity scene in 'zombie' dispute

A fabric representation of baby Jesus was stolen from a Christmas nativity display in Brussels, igniting intense online debate over its abstract portrayal of Christianitys holy family. Artist Victoria-Maria Geyer created the figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph using patchwork cloth without facial features, aiming to offer a more inclusive interpretation of the Christmas story and allowing room for everyones imagination.

Although local church authorities had approved the installation, the display in central Brussels faced significant criticism on social media after its debut on Friday. Belgian right-wing politician Georges-Louis Bouchez even likened the faceless figures to zombies.

The controversy escalated when the fabric baby Jesus went missing from the manger on Saturday, prompting officials to replace the figure and increase security around the display. In response to the theft, Bouchez launched a petition demanding the nativity be replaced by Christmas 2026 at the latest, which gathered over 33,000 signatures within three days, according to a spokesperson.

Bouchez, leader of the French-speaking Reformist Movement (MR), criticized the artwork as nonsense and an insult to our traditions. Some locals agreed. Arlette Coppoy, a Brussels resident visiting the Grand Place where the scene is exhibited, said, For me, in Catholicism, Jesus was born in a manger. He wasnt born in a tent with faceless parents, with nothing.

Others found deeper meaning in the piece. Michel Elias, another local, reflected on current events in the Holy Land: I think this nativity scene is very good, because Jesus was Palestinian and now he finds himself under a sheet of canvas, like the Palestinians in Gaza. This moves me deeply. I think this is exactly what Christmas is all about.

Geyer, a practicing Catholic, emphasized that the intention was never to break from tradition. She noted that the project had been discussed with Brussels ruling coalition, including Bouchezs MR party, which did not oppose its installation.

Author: Sophia Brooks