Matthew: Christmas story

One often see reenactments of the Christmas story, both by children and adults, where Roman soldiers are present.

See, for example, Roman Legionary 58 BC - AD 69. Osprey Publishing. 2003.

How many Roman soldiers did Mary and Joseph encounter on their way to Bethlehem from Nazareth?

Probably none. Parthia was a buffer area allied with Rome. Herod had his own army. Rome had other fronts. You would not defend Judea from Judea. Why?

The Parthians were from an area in what had been Persia that took control from the Medes and the Persians (Elamites) centered around Babylon in the area of Mesopotamia.

Judea, ruled by Herod from 37 to 4 BC with his own army, was a buffer state between Rome and Parthia and aligned with Rome.

[Rome, other fronts]

Rome was not known for gratuitous killing - especially of future slaves, servants, taxpayers, etc.

There would have been few, if any, Roman soldiers in Judea at the time of the birth of Christ. Rome moved in after Herod's death. At the crucifixion, some 30 years later, there would have been many Roman soldiers in Judea. They would have been "second string" soldiers (and commanders) as the best soldiers (and commanders) were in Britain, in Gaul (France), and Asia Minor (Turkey).

Herod had an army that would do anything ordered, such as killing infants in Bethlehem. See The Army of Herod the Great. Osprey Publishing. 2009.

Rome was fighting along the following fronts.

Britain
France, Germany, along the Rhine river, etc.
Danube river along a long front.
Asia minor which borders Parthia.
Egypt, an important source of grain for Rome.

Putting Roman troops in Judea at this time could be seen as threating Parthia, with which Rome had constant battles and conflicts, winning some, losing some, going back and forth.

Roman troops were capable and followed orders, but Roman troops would not go into a town and kill male infants just because one might become a king to threaten Herod. From their point of view, these male infants were future taxpayers for the empire.

Parthia was fond of shooting arrows at the enemy as they retreated or faked a retreat. This was before the invention of saddles (about 365 A.D.) and stirrups (China 4th century, westward to Europe in the Middle Ages).

Was it a retreat or a trick to lure one into a trap? The "Parthian shot" become known as the "parting shot".

[currant jelly, no saddles, no stirrups, Arthur Conan Doyle, Crassus and Carrhae]

With the Parthian shot, one never knew if this was an actual retreat or a deceptive retreat to lure one into a trap. This technique is most famous in the Parthian victory over Roman general Crassus in the battle of Carrhae.

With which Parthian shot he walked away, leaving the two rivals open-mouthed behind him. Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet (1886).

This "Parthian shot" sounded like the term "parting shot" as it is known today and has a semantic similarity.

Parthians are mentioned in Acts 2:9 at Pentecost.

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? [kjv]

και πως ημεις ακουομεν εκαστος τη ιδια διαλεκτω ημων εν η εγεννηθημεν [gnt]

2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, [kjv]

παρθοι και μηδοι και ελαμιται και οι κατοικουντες την μεσοποταμιαν ιουδαιαν τε και καππαδοκιαν ποντον και την ασιαν [gnt]

Acts 2:8

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KJV: And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Greek: και πως ημεις ακουομεν εκαστος τη ιδια διαλεκτω ημων εν η εγεννηθημεν

Acts 2:9

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KJV: Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Greek: παρθοι και μηδοι και ελαμιται και οι κατοικουντες την μεσοποταμιαν ιουδαιαν τε και καππαδοκιαν ποντον και την ασιαν

Matthew 2:1

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KJV: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Greek: του δε ιησου γεννηθεντος εν βηθλεεμ της ιουδαιας εν ημεραις ηρωδου του βασιλεως ιδου μαγοι απο ανατολων παρεγενοντο εις ιεροσολυμα

Matthew 2:2

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KJV: Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Greek: λεγοντες που εστιν ο τεχθεις βασιλευς των ιουδαιων ειδομεν γαρ αυτου τον αστερα εν τη ανατολη και ηλθομεν προσκυνησαι αυτω

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [kjv]

2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. [kjv]

Who are the "wise men"?
From where came the "wise men"?

John saw Mary with the telescope. Who has the telescope?
The wise men saw the star in the east. Were the wise men looking east or west?

[language ambiguity, Magi, Daniel, Parthians, Masada, Herod's army]

More: Song: We three kings of orient are

The Christmas song "We three kings" was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., from Williamsport, PA, in 1857. There's gold, frankincense, but wait, there's myrrh!

1. All: We three kings of Orient are; ...
2: King 1: ... Gold I bring to crown Him again, ... (king)
3: King 2: Frankincense to offer have I; ... (priest)
4: King 3: Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume ... (burial)
5: All: King and God and sacrifice;

There are some factual issues with the words to the song.

They were not "kings".
We do not know if there were exactly "three".
They were not from the "orient".

More: Song: We three kings of orient are

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

*It is not known that there were three.
*They were magi, not kings.
*They were not from the Orient.

Who were the "Magi" and from where did they come?

Who is the most famous Magi?
What was the "Deep state" in Babylon?

[fiery furnace, lion's den]

Book: The coming prince (1894) by Sir Robert Anderson (1841-1918), head of Scotland Yard. Sixty-nine weeks (sevens) of (360 day prophetic) years is 69*7*360 = 173,800 days.

≈ 544 BC (Daniel)
≈ 444 BC (Nehemiah)
≈ 32 AD (Crucifixion)

More: The magi and the rab-mag

Daniel 5:11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; [kjv]

… רב … [he]

εστιν ανηρ εν τη βασιλεια σου εν ω πνευμα θεου και εν ταις ημεραις του πατρος σου γρηγορησις και συνεσις ευρεθη εν αυτω και ο βασιλευς ναβουχοδονοσορ ο πατηρ σου αρχοντα επαοιδων μαγων χαλδαιων γαζαρηνων κατεστησεν αυτον [lxx]

5:15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing: [kjv]

και νυν εισηλθον ενωπιον μου οι σοφοι μαγοι γαζαρηνοι ινα την γραφην ταυτην αναγνωσιν και την συγκρισιν αυτης γνωρισωσιν μοι και ουκ ηδυνηθησαν αναγγειλαι μοι [lxx]

At the time of the "writing on the wall" event, the queen tells how Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel the "head" or "master" of the groups including the "magi".

The Hebrew word "רב" (rab) ≈ "chief, master".

More: The magi and the rab-mag

Jeremiah 39:3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon. [kjv]

… בבל … רב … רב מג … בבל [he]

και εισηλθον παντες οι ηγεμονες βασιλεως βαβυλωνος και εκαθισαν εν πυλη τη μεση ναργαλασαρ και σαμαγωθ και ναβουσαχαρ και ναβουσαρις και ναγαργασνασερ ραβ αμαγ και οι καταλοιποι ηγεμονες βασιλεως βαβυλωνος [lxx]

39:13 So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the king of Babylon's princes; [kjv]

… רב … רב … רב מג … בבל [he]

*H7248 רַב ־ מָג (rab-mawg') : from H7227 and a foreign word for a Magian; chief Magian; Rab-Mag, a Bab. official:--Rab-mag.

In Jeremiah 39:3 and 39:13, Jeremiah uses the Hebrew term "rab" "mag" for the head of what in Babylon were called the "magi". The LXX (Septuagint) has only the first of the two verses.

More: The magi and the rab-mag

Herodotus, a writer of the history of Greece and much of what we know of ancient Persia, wrote of the "magi" as a hereditary power group in Babylon who could interpret "dreams", here as a "reasoning" that has been "foretold".

English: If the boy is alive, said the Magi, and has been made king without premeditation, then be confident on this score and keep an untroubled heart: he will not be made king a second time. Even in our prophecies, it is often but a small thing that has been foretold and the consequences of dreams come to nothing in the end. https://perseus.tufts.edu (as of 2023-12-15)

Greek: καὶ νῦν ἐς τί ὑμῖν ταῦτα φαίνεται φέρειν; εἶπαν οἱ Μάγοι εἰ μὲν περίεστί τε καὶ ἐβασίλευσε ὁ παῖς μὴ ἐκ προνοίης τινός, θάρσεέ τε τούτου εἵνεκα καὶ θυμὸν ἔχε ἀγαθόν· οὐ γὰρ ἔτι τὸ δεύτερον ἄρχει. παρὰ σμικρὰ γὰρ καὶ τῶν λογίων ἡμῖν ἔνια κεχώρηκε, καὶ τά γε τῶν ὀνειράτων ἐχόμενα τελέως ἐς ἀσθενὲς ἔρχεται. Herodotus: Histories [1.120.3]

English: I too, Magi, said Astyages, am very much of your opinion: that the dream came true when the boy was called king, and that I have no more to fear from him. Nevertheless consider well and advise me what will be safest both for my house and for you. https://perseus.tufts.edu (as of 2023-12-15)

Greek: ἀμείβεται ὁ Ἀστυάγης τοῖσιδε. καὶ αὐτὸς ὦ Μάγοι ταύτῃ πλεῖστος γνώμην εἰμί, βασιλέος ὀνομασθέντος τοῦ παιδὸς ἐξήκειν τε τὸν ὄνειρον καί μοι τὸν παῖδα τοῦτον εἶναι δεινὸν ἔτι οὐδέν. ὅμως μέν γέ τοι συμβουλεύσατέ μοι εὖ περισκεψάμενοι τὰ μέλλει ἀσφαλέστατα εἶναι οἴκῳ τε τῷ ἐμῷ καὶ ὑμῖν. Herodotus: Histories [1.120.4]

More: The magi and the rab-mag

English: Moreover, Dareius was already coming down to the coast from Susa, exalted in spirit by the magnitude of his forces (for he was leading an army of six hundred thousand men), and also encouraged by a certain dream, which the Magi interpreted in a way to please him rather than as the probabilities demanded. … https://perseus.tufts.edu (as of 2023-12-15)

Greek: Ἤδη δὲ καὶ Δαρεῖος ἐκ Σούσων κατέβαινεν, ἐπαιρόμενός τε τῷ πλήθει τῆς δυνάμεως (ἑξήκοντα γὰρ ἦγε μυριάδας στρατοῦ), καί τινος ὀνείρου θαρρύνοντος αὐτόν, ὃν οἱ μάγοι πρὸς χάριν ἐξηγοῦντο μᾶλλον ἢ κατὰ τὸ εἰκός. P/utarch: Life of Alexander [18.4]

Plutarch in Life of Alexander mentions Darius of Susa (Persian empire), a dream, an interpretation and the Magi.

Very small army of Alexander defeater the huge army of Persia (and Darius) multiple times (Issus, Guagamela). [wild goat, four horns]

More: The magi and the rab-mag

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [kjv]

ακουσας δε ο βασιλευς ηρωδης εταραχθη και πασα ιεροσολυμα μετ αυτου [gnt]

The Magi travel (from Parthia with a military escort) to see Herod (and as a diplomatic courtesy) and asking questions. Where is the one born "King of the Jews"?

[building projects, military escort]
Was this a trick, a prelude to another invasion, why now?

Matthew 2:3

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KJV: When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Greek: ακουσας δε ηρωδης ο βασιλευς ηρωδης εταραχθη και πασα ιεροσολυμα μετ αυτου

Latin: audiens autem Herodes rex turbatus est et omnis Hierosolyma cum illo

Wessex: Þa herodes þt geherde þa warð he gedrefeð & eal ierosolime-waere mid him.

Wycliffe: But king Eroude herde, and was trublid, and al Jerusalem with hym.

Spanish: Oyendo esto el rey Herodes, se turbó, y toda Jerusalén conél;

Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. [kjv]

… ומצודתי … [he]

κυριος στερεωμα μου και καταφυγη μου και ρυστης μου ο θεος μου βοηθος μου και ελπιω επ αυτον υπερασπιστης μου και κερας σωτηριας μου αντιλημπτωρ μου [lxx]

Some 35 years earlier, Herod had to vacate Jerusalem because of a Parthian invasion. Masada was improved as a retreat fortress and palace.

Masada is an ancient fortress on top of a rock plateau captured and then refurbished by Herod the Great as a place of retreat if attacked (e.g., by the Parthians). In the Jewish War (66-70 AD) some Jewish zealots took over the fortress. The Romans eventually built a ramp (still visible today) to get in (73-64 AD). When they finally got in (according to accounts) all of the Jews (almost one thousand) had committed suicide.

David might have been written of this geographic feature (later Masada) when making references to his stronghold.

The Hebrew word "מצדה" (masada) ≈ "fortress".

Psalms 18:2

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KJV: The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Hebrew: יהוה סלעי ומצודתי ומפלטי אלי צורי אחסה בו מגני וקרן ישעי משגבי׃

Greek: κυριος στερεωμα μου και καταφυγη μου και ρυστης μου ο θεος μου βοηθος μου και ελπιω επ αυτον υπερασπιστης μου και κερας σωτηριας μου αντιλημπτωρ μου

Herod the Great was King of Judea, obtained by conniving, murder, intrigue, etc., from the Romans.

Judea was a border state between Rome and Parthia.

Herod had his own army.

As long as Herod collected and paid taxes to Rome, it is unlikely Rome garrisoned any soldiers there, if at all. Having different groups of soldiers near each other is never a good idea.

In about 6 A.D., a few years after Herod has died, Rome then took more control, moved some troops in, took the right of capital punishment from the Jewish civil/religious leaders, etc. It appears that Rome did not see the leaders after Herod the Great as being able to maintain law and order, etc., leaving that area open to Parthian incursion.

By the time of the crucifixion, Rome had a more significant presence in Jerusalem and Judea - though mostly older and less well-trained and disciplined troops - the best were still on the more important fronts.

Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. [kjv]

2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, [kjv]

2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. [kjv]

The prophecy was for both a Messiah and a King. We know now that this was to be in two phases.

First coming: Messiah
Second coming: King [Joy to the world]

[deceptive kingdoms/houses, deceptive light/darkness, deceptive blooms/wheat/fruit]

Matthew 2:4

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KJV: And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Greek: και συναγαγων παντας τους αρχιερεις και γραμματεις του λαου επυνθανετο παρ αυτων που ο χριστος γενναται

Matthew 2:5

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KJV: And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Greek: οι δε ειπον ειπαν αυτω εν βηθλεεμ της ιουδαιας ουτως γαρ γεγραπται δια του προφητου

Matthew 2:6

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KJV: And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Greek: και συ βηθλεεμ γη ιουδα ουδαμως ελαχιστη ει εν τοις ηγεμοσιν ιουδα εκ σου γαρ εξελευσεται ηγουμενος οστις ποιμανει τον λαον μου τον ισραηλ

Let us now look at the issue of whether Jesus was in a "stable" or "house" when visited by the magi.

Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. [kjv]

τοτε ηρωδης λαθρα καλεσας τους μαγους ηκριβωσεν παρ αυτων τον χρονον του φαινομενου αστερος [gnt]

… magis … apparuit … [v]

Because Herod assumed the star appeared when the baby was born, many others since then have made the same assumption. This assumption requires the Magi to arrive much later in the story.

[magistrate]

More: Song: We three kings of orient are

More: Philippians 2:15 deceptive appearance of a shining light

God prepared a big fish for Jonah. God could have had the star appear years before to give time for the Magi to make the trip (from Parthia).

Matthew 2:7

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KJV: Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Greek: τοτε ηρωδης λαθρα καλεσας τους μαγους ηκριβωσεν παρ αυτων τον χρονον του φαινομενου αστερος

Latin: tunc Herodes clam vocatis magis diligenter didicit ab eis tempus stellae quae apparuit eis

Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. [kjv]

και πεμψας αυτους εις βηθλεεμ ειπεν πορευθεντες εξετασατε ακριβως περι του παιδιου επαν δε ευρητε απαγγειλατε μοι οπως καγω ελθων προσκυνησω αυτω [gnt]

… puero … adorem … [v]

The Greek implies a child from birth to about 12 years old.

Latin word slide:

The Latin word "puer" ≈ "child" implies child and not an infant.
The Latin word "infans" ≈ "infant" and means, literally, "not speaking" and is the source, through French and/or Spanish of the English word "infantry".

Written in England, 1823, by Davies Gilbert.
Music by William Sandys, 1833, from other popular tunes, including some drinking tunes.
Criticized for Biblical inaccuracies, repetition, simple peasant words and phrasings

What do you notice about "ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ"?

No el

More: Song: First Noel

The First Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

* It was spring or fall, not winter.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

* From their perspective, the star would have been shining in the west.

And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

* It is not known that there were three. They were magi, not wise men.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

* Bethlehem is to the southwest of Jerusalem.

Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. [kjv]

The "star" led them to the "young child" Jesus. We are not told if this is Bethlehem or some other place.

Do UFO's exist? The Greek idea of a "star" was much more general than the technical definition of today.

Martin Luther wrote many songs, one of which is "Von Himmel hoch, da komm ich her", which in English is "From highest heaven, I come here".

[Kristkind, Cris Kringle]

1883: Lutheran Church song for 400th anniversary birth of Luther.
Not true: Luther wrote it. Claim: German mothers sing it to their babies.
World War I: new Welsh melody.
Both melodies can be used without offending some.

Did Mary and Joseph determine how heavy the baby Jesus was?

Yes, there was a weigh in the manger. Was He worth the wait?

More: Song: Away in the manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are *lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh.

The word *lowing is related Latin "clamor" and Greek for "called out" as in "a gathering of believers".

Matthew 2:8

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KJV: And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Greek: και πεμψας αυτους εις βηθλεεμ ειπεν πορευθεντες ακριβως εξετασατε ακριβως περι του παιδιου επαν δε ευρητε απαγγειλατε μοι οπως καγω ελθων προσκυνησω αυτω

Latin: et mittens illos in Bethleem dixit ite et interrogate diligenter de puero et cum inveneritis renuntiate mihi ut et ego veniens adorem eum

Matthew 2:9

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KJV: When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Greek: οι δε ακουσαντες του βασιλεως επορευθησαν και ιδου ο αστηρ ον ειδον εν τη ανατολη προηγεν αυτους εως ελθων εστη εσταθη επανω ου ην το παιδιον

Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [kjv]

2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. [kjv]

Many nativity scenes show the shepherds and the magi at the birth of Jesus. When and where did the magi visit the "young child" in the "house"?
They "rejoiced" with great "joy" could be read as that they "greeted" it as a great "favor". In context, they were probably happy about that favor.

More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor

Matthew 2:10

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KJV: When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Greek: ιδοντες δε τον αστερα εχαρησαν χαραν μεγαλην σφοδρα

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. [kjv]

The gifts were, gold, frankincense, but wait, there's myrrh!

The "gift" of "gold", would be useful in the unplanned trip to Egypt.

Here we are interested in the "house" and the "young child".

More: Song: We three kings of orient are

Matthew 2:11

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KJV: And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Greek: και ελθοντες εις την οικιαν ευρον ειδον το παιδιον μετα μαριας της μητρος αυτου και πεσοντες προσεκυνησαν αυτω και ανοιξαντες τους θησαυρους αυτων προσηνεγκαν αυτω δωρα χρυσον και λιβανον και σμυρναν

Matthew: (Magi, unknown days old)

και ελθοντες εις την οικιαν ειδον το παιδιον μετα μαριας της μητρος αυτου και πεσοντες προσεκυνησαν αυτω και ανοιξαντες τους θησαυρους αυτων προσηνεγκαν αυτω δωρα χρυσον και λιβανον και σμυρναν [gnt]

Luke: (Mary and Joseph, eight days old)

Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, [kjv]

και ηλθεν εν τω πνευματι εις το ιερον και εν τω εισαγαγειν τους γονεις το παιδιον ιησουν του ποιησαι αυτους κατα το ειθισμενον του νομου περι αυτου [gnt]

Many people assume, as Herod had assumed, that this happened a year or so after the birth. The reasoning for this often includes the following.

They visited Jesus in a "house" and not the "inn" or "stable".
Jesus was a "young child" and not a "newborn baby".

Let us return to the questions.

Question: Did the magi visit Jesus in a "house" or in a "stable"?
Answer: The magi could have visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem when the "guest room" in the "house" became available. It could have been at a later date and different place.

Question: Did the magi visit Jesus as a "young child" or as a "newborn baby"?
Answer: The Greek word is the same for both "young child" and "newborn baby" so it could have been soon after the birth or at some later time.

There are several ancient Greek words for child.

"τέκνον" ≈ "child" and comes from the root of building or making something. In this case, a child as a created being from God.
"παῖς" ≈ "child, servant" is one who is to learn from and follow the example of a parent (or teacher or master).
"παιδίον" ≈ "small child" of any age up to about 12 (due to the diminutive suffix).

Jesus and John and Paul (and others) will often use the word for "child" when referring to a believer (of any age).

Another ancient Greek word is "βρέφος" ≈ "unborn baby, baby, infant".

More: The truth about a lying baby

More: 1 John 1 Top down purpose of life

Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. [kjv]

και χρηματισθεντες κατ οναρ μη ανακαμψαι προς ηρωδην δι αλλης οδου ανεχωρησαν εις την χωραν αυτων [gnt]

2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. [kjv]

αναχωρησαντων δε αυτων ιδου αγγελος κυριου φαινεται κατ οναρ τω ιωσηφ λεγων εγερθεις παραλαβε το παιδιον και την μητερα αυτου και φευγε εις αιγυπτον και ισθι εκει εως αν ειπω σοι μελλει γαρ ηρωδης ζητειν το παιδιον του απολεσαι αυτο [gnt]

How could Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus afford to make a trip to Egypt?

[God provides, Ethiopian connection]

There may be an Ethiopian connection here. Ethiopia was part of Egypt.
Ethiopian churches claim to have the Arc of the Covenant - but with hundreds of churches each claiming this. Which one is the real one?
The Arc has a place in end-time prophecy, but it disappeared, apparently during the reign of Manasseh and prophecy time of Isiah.

Matthew 2:12

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KJV: And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Greek: και χρηματισθεντες κατ οναρ μη ανακαμψαι προς ηρωδην δι αλλης οδου ανεχωρησαν εις την χωραν αυτων

Matthew 2:13

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KJV: And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Greek: αναχωρησαντων δε αυτων ιδου αγγελος κυριου φαινεται κατ οναρ τω ιωσηφ λεγων εγερθεις παραλαβε το παιδιον και την μητερα αυτου και φευγε εις αιγυπτον και ισθι εκει εως αν ειπω σοι μελλει γαρ ηρωδης ζητειν το παιδιον του απολεσαι αυτο

Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: [kjv]

2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. [kjv]

When was a symbolic son called out of Egypt?

[God provides]

How did Mary and Joseph fly to Egypt?

Their donkey was very fast. So, they used a donkey-fly which is a smaller version of a horse-fly.

Matthew 2:14

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KJV: When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

Greek: ο δε εγερθεις παρελαβεν το παιδιον και την μητερα αυτου νυκτος και ανεχωρησεν εις αιγυπτον

Matthew 2:15

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KJV: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Greek: και ην εκει εως της τελευτης ηρωδου ινα πληρωθη το ρηθεν υπο του κυριου δια του προφητου λεγοντος εξ αιγυπτου εκαλεσα τον υιον μου

Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. [kjv]

τοτε ηρωδης ιδων οτι ενεπαιχθη υπο των μαγων εθυμωθη λιαν και αποστειλας ανειλεν παντας τους παιδας τους εν βηθλεεμ και εν πασιν τοις οριοις αυτης απο διετους και κατωτερω κατα τον χρονον ον ηκριβωσεν παρα των μαγων [gnt]

Bethlehem was a small town. It could have been as few as 20 male infants were slaughtered.

The Greek for "coasts" is that of "boundaries" as in the nearby areas.

[pig in Herod's house, Herodotus and Astyages, Pharaoh and Moses]

Matthew 2:16

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KJV: Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Greek: τοτε ηρωδης ιδων οτι ενεπαιχθη υπο των μαγων εθυμωθη λιαν και αποστειλας ανειλεν παντας τους παιδας τους εν βηθλεεμ και εν πασιν τοις οριοις αυτης απο διετους και κατωτερω κατα τον χρονον ον ηκριβωσεν παρα των μαγων

Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. [kjv]

φωνη εν ραμα ηκουσθη κλαυθμος και οδυρμος πολυς ραχηλ κλαιουσα τα τεκνα αυτης και ουκ ηθελεν παρακληθηναι οτι ουκ εισιν [gnt]

Rama was one of the departure points for those deported to Babylon, the last place where mothers might see their sons.

For many, this exile was their new home. Most settled there and never returned. Eventually, everyone needs to depart this world.

[peaceful exportation - Daniel, friends, etc.]
[less peaceful exportation - general population]
[70 years, many never returned, Hebrew to Aramaic, Bethlehem of Ephrata]

For many, this exile was their new home. Most settled there and never returned.

Matthew 2:17

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KJV: Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

Greek: τοτε επληρωθη το ρηθεν υπο δια ιερεμιου του προφητου λεγοντος

Matthew 2:18

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KJV: In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Greek: φωνη εν ραμα ηκουσθη θρηνος και κλαυθμος και οδυρμος πολυς ραχηλ κλαιουσα τα τεκνα αυτης και ουκ ηθελεν παρακληθηναι οτι ουκ εισιν

Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, [kjv]

2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. [kjv]

[death about 4 BC in Jericho - chronic kidney disease complicated by a very uncomfortable case of maggot-infested gangrene of the genitals]
[Herod's last request]

Matthew 2:19

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KJV: But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Greek: τελευτησαντος δε του ηρωδου ιδου αγγελος κυριου φαινεται κατ οναρ φαινεται τω ιωσηφ εν αιγυπτω

Matthew 2:20

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KJV: Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

Greek: λεγων εγερθεις παραλαβε το παιδιον και την μητερα αυτου και πορευου εις γην ισραηλ τεθνηκασιν γαρ οι ζητουντες την ψυχην του παιδιου

Matthew 2:21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. [kjv]

2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: [kjv]

Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. [kjv]

Did they originally come from Nazareth? It is not clear but that is where they settled down (again).
The "Mountain of Megiddo" is, from the Hebrew, "Armageddon" or, as said in Hebrew, "har megiddo".

Matthew 2:21

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KJV: And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

Greek: ο δε εγερθεις παρελαβεν το παιδιον και την μητερα αυτου και ηλθεν εισηλθεν εις γην ισραηλ

Matthew 2:22

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KJV: But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

Greek: ακουσας δε οτι αρχελαος βασιλευει επι της ιουδαιας αντι ηρωδου του πατρος αυτου ηρωδου εφοβηθη εκει απελθειν χρηματισθεις δε κατ οναρ ανεχωρησεν εις τα μερη της γαλιλαιας

Matthew 2:23

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KJV: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Greek: και ελθων κατωκησεν εις πολιν λεγομενην ναζαρετ οπως πληρωθη το ρηθεν δια των προφητων οτι ναζωραιος κληθησεται

What is the "reason for the season" at Christmas? Which of the following Gospels talk about the birth of Jesus?

Matthew

Herod, Magi and gifts. How, some hints of why.

Mark

Mark is Peter's Gospel. No clear mention of birth of Jesus.

Luke

Shepherds and angels. How, some hints of why.

John

John tells that Jesus was born and why Jesus was born.

More: John: The reason for the season

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. [kjv]

ειπεν ουν αυτω ο πιλατος ουκουν βασιλευς ει συ απεκριθη ο ιησους συ λεγεις οτι βασιλευς ειμι εγω εις τουτο γεγεννημαι και εις τουτο εληλυθα εις τον κοσμον ινα μαρτυρησω τη αληθεια πας ο ων εκ της αληθειας ακουει μου της φωνης [gnt]

Only John tells us why Jesus was born. Jesus witnesses to Pilate.

Jesus tells Pilate why he was born in John 18:37. When Jesus talks of "truth", as in the Greek and Hebrew words for truth, he is talking about the truth of reality and not of a logical true-false truth system.

[philosophy courses, Aristotle final cause]

More: John: The reason for the season

The world does not care about the truth of reality.

John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. [kjv]