The Bible does talk about Jesus returning in glory, but for one gift shop owner this happened in an unexpected manner.

Midge Saglimbene owns a religious gift shop in Connecticut. He says a faded 4ft statue of Christ was stolen, only to reappear with a fresh coat of paint.

"I was devastated. I was crying, I was like 'I can't believe this. This can't be'," Saglinbene told WFSB.

The chipped and faded statue, which was donated to the shop, was taken last week. The sculpture, worth about $600, was not for sale as it held special significance for Saglimbene.

The owner of Angels & Company store said she prayed to St Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, for it to be returned.

She also called the police but before they could trace the thief the statue returned, having been restored to its former glory. The faded orange shawl was repainted bright scarlet and the beard had been retouched.

Although the "good thief," (as Saglimbene labelled him) left a note, she has no clue as to his identity. However she told Daily News that she hoped the mystery person would reveal themselves.

"I just want to thank them," she said. "It was a really, really nice gesture, and I just want them to know how much we appreciate it."

"He looks beautiful. He looks different," she said.