“the child.” Although some versions (cp. ASV; KJV, NKJV) have “young child,” the Greek is just “child.” In the traditional Christmas story, Jesus would have been a newborn baby, but when we correctly understand that the Magi came one and a half to two years after Jesus was born, the word “child” is exactly accurate.

[For an accurate understanding of the Christmas Story, see commentary on these verses: Matt. 1:25; 2:1-14; and Luke 2:4-24. Also, download the free ebooklet “Retelling the Christmas Story” by John Schoenheit. Please see the description and link below, or click here to download it directly.]

Additional resource:

Library File: Retelling the Christmas Story (Pub: 2022-12-09)

The Christmas Story is important because the birth of Christ is important. The traditional story of His birth contains many errors, and presents a cold, hard, and lonely picture about the circumstances of his birth. This document explores and reveals a deeper, more accurate understanding of the customs, time and place, and other details that truly make the birth of Christ an inspiring account of love, obedience, giving, and sacrifice. Download the file