The only immediate problem was the chill in the air. Hold-ing Jesus in her arms, Mary gently rocked him to sleep, and, for a while, it appeared everything would be fine. Finding a small and inconspicuous cave, they huddled inside, seeking shelter and rest, with the donkey and the spider their only remaining companions. With Herod’s troops on the march, and with the Holy Family growing more and more tired, Joseph and Mary had little choice but to try and hide. They ended up returning home or embarking on a more appealing adventure of their own. Unfortunately, as the journey unfolded, all of the other supposedly brave animals either were frightened off or else were distracted. However, the spider persistently pleaded to be included, until at last the other animals agreed she could join them, provided she did not get in the way. She had no keen ears or sharp teeth, no strong bones and no claws whatsoever.
Yet none of the other animals felt the spider would be helpful. There also happened to be a spider who wanted to come. Each of the animals was determined to protect the baby Jesus, and each felt sure his or her particular talents would prove invaluable in that task. According to this legend, when Joseph was warned in a dream to flee from King Herod and the massacre which he intended to inflict upon the children of Bethlehem, several animals from the manger decided to accompany the Holy Family on their journey. Among the countless Christmas legends, there is one involving a Christmas spider.
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