BRUSSELS, Belgium — A peculiar theft from a Christmas Nativity scene over the weekend has left Belgian authorities puzzled. The figure of the infant Jesus was stolen from its crib located in the heart of Brussels, igniting a wave of discussions on social media regarding its unconventional design.

The infant Jesus statue, created by artist Victoria-Maria Geyer, was part of a nativity scene displayed in the Grand Place. This particular representation drew widespread criticism online due to the absence of facial features on the characters. The artist intended for their cloth figures to reflect a universal identity, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to see themselves in the biblical narrative of Christ’s birth.

Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the center-right MR party and a member of Belgium’s ruling coalition, took to social media to express his disdain for the artwork, describing the figures as reminiscent of “zombie-like” individuals. He argued that Geyer’s interpretation did not embody the true essence of Christmas.

The Nativity scene had already attracted considerable attention, with last year’s Christmas market in the area drawing over 4 million visitors who enjoyed seasonal delights, including mulled wine and an array of vendors. A towering Christmas tree serves as a backdrop to the nativity scene, which is organized by both local church authorities and the City of Brussels as part of a cherished holiday tradition.

Contrary to early speculation, there are no reports that the figure of the infant Jesus was damaged or defaced prior to its disappearance. Delphine Romanus, deputy director of Brussels Major Events, noted that while this theft is alarming, such incidents involving baby Jesus figures are not entirely uncommon during the festive season.

In a twist, the initial backlash against the design has shifted to a more favorable perspective among some observers, according to Geyer. Authorities quickly replaced the stolen figure and expressed commitment to enhancing security around the nativity scene, although no additional safety measures have yet been implemented.

As locals gathered around the site, some voiced their frustrations regarding the controversy, emphasizing the need to appreciate artistic expression rather than becoming embroiled in negativity. Brussels resident Francis De Laveleye lamented the situation, arguing that allowing artistic merit to devolve into petty disputes undermines the character of the city.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about art, representation, and their roles in holiday celebrations, highlighting how a festive display can unexpectedly become a battleground for cultural discourse.