Wise advice: Bring back the baby

Is Jesus missing from your life?

The parishioners from Mesa Verde United Methodist Church in Costa

Mesa might say so -- tongue-in-cheek, of course.

A hand-painted, life-sized plywood baby Jesus (and a sheep) were

stolen from the church’s nativity scene last week, the Rev. Stephanie

Toon said.

It’s clearly time to clear up a little misconception: You can’t

steal Jesus. Those signs and bumper stickers that say “Got Jesus” are

not suggesting you go out and physically get a Jesus.

The sheep may be on the lam, but church officials say the theft is

likely a childish prank.

Let’s hope the baby Jesus and his sheep are guided home before

Christmas.