The answer is: 2 years and under

Matt 2:16 - Jesus could well have been nearly two years old by the time the wise men visited him.

When diving into the story. of Jesus’s birth, one can’t help but wonder about the magnitude of Herod’s decision. When King Herod—the ruler of Judea—became infuriated at the arrival of the wise men and the potential challenge to his throne posed by the newborn “King of the Jews,” his paranoia culminated in one of the darkest moments in biblical history. Herod ordered the massacre of all boys under two years old around Bethlehem. This heart-wrenching incident highlights not only his madness but also serves as a profound backdrop against which Jesus's humble beginnings shine even brighter.

Interestingly, the timeline of Jesus’s early life raises compelling questions about the Star of Bethlehem. The magi’s journey after seeing the star might have taken quite some time, suggesting that by the time they reached Jesus, he could indeed have been nearing his second birthday. This window affords a fascinating glimpse into the concepts of divine timing and cosmic events in biblical lore.

Moreover, this event mirrors other stories in the scripture. For instance, remember Moses! Just as Pharaoh sought to eliminate potential rivals to his power earlier in Exodus, both narratives convey themes of oppression and survival against all odds. And as tragic as it is, these iconic survival stories within the biblical texts not only showcase moments of grief but also champion resilience and purpose in the face of adversity. They announce boldly that in the messiest circumstances, hope can spring anew.