Raymond Arroyo’s ‘The Spider Who Saved Christmas’ is based on ancient legend

“My telling of the legend is really all about motherhood, sacrifice, family, and overcoming fear to recognize the hope that is often all around us," says the author.

An ancient legend prompted the creation of a new children’s Christmas book.

The legend is that, right after Jesus was born when King Herod was killing baby boys, the Holy Family slept in a cave on their way to Egypt.

A spider in the cave knew the Baby was someone special, and decided to do something to help save Mary, Joseph, and Jesus from the King’s soldiers.

The Spider Who Saved Christmas is the story of that spider, Nephila, written by EWTN host Raymond Arroyo.

“The Spider Who Saved Christmas,” Arroyo told CNA “fills an important gap in the Christmas story, one we don’t often consider.”

“I discovered this legend in a footnote of a Bible commentary,” Arroyo said, and “was intrigued.” In some parts of the world, the legend is well known.

“My telling of the legend is really all about motherhood, sacrifice, family, and overcoming fear to recognize the hope that is often all around us. I expanded the spare tale, created some characters and got to spend some time with the Holy Family. It actually made me appreciate them and their struggle in a new way,” the author said.

Nephila heroically places herself and her spider family at risk in order to help the Holy Family.

“I think these old stories have survived largely because they contain a bit of wisdom that we need for living. I’ve always thought that every good story is a guide for life.”