“If an angel was in a UFO that led the astrologers (the 'wise men') to the young child Jesus in that house”
Note, the ‘house’ reference is kind of important to understanding the three magi. They weren’t there at the manger the night he was born, but some time after when they had better lodgings. We don’t know how long after.
“then it must have been a wicked angel. How so? We have these pagan astrologers…traveling along and they see a "star".”
So, you think they were traveling around with gold, frankincense, and myrrh as birthday gifts, just in case a new demigod appeared?
They were astrologers, the stars foretold the birth, and INITIATED their trip. Not just the one star shining, but enough to tell them that he’d be the king of the Jews.
They were specifically on the road to greet the new demigod as soon as possible.
"how convenient; astrologers.....stars.....”
No, doofus, that’s pretty much a crucial plot element to their story. It wouldn’t make any sense for tailors to travel to Bethlehem because of a portent in the sky.
"Does it lead them directly to Jesus? Nope.”
You misunderstand their itinerary, too.
“They next end up in front of the wicked King Herod in Jerusalem.”
Well, yeah. The other name for the three Magi is ‘the Three Kings.’ Distinguished foreign gentlemen, high ranking and rich enough to afford the stated gifts on top of the expense of major travel.
Probably traveling with a caravan for safety. The Caravan would have gone to the Capital, first. And while there, where would three fucking kings dine except with the local ruler? It would be expected that he’d offer them a night’s room and board. And during the meal, they’d all talk.
You’re right about Herrod’s intentions, and the Magi complicity. But that doesn’t make the star an evil plot element. Herrod would have heard about ‘the new king of the Jews’ at some point, anyway.
"This time it leads them to Bethlehem”
The star was always over Jesus’ location, other considerations led them to Herrod, as kings passing through his kingdom.
“and to not a baby, but the young child Jesus in his house.”
A House, not necessarily theirs.
And his age is not specified, but when Herrod sent troops to slaughter, he did specify boys up to 2 years old.
"After they pay their homage to Jesus, the astrologers are ready to head back to Jerusalem to report to Herod as instructed. So up to this point, following the "star" has just about got Jesus killed! How is God going to stop it? He warns them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So who was using the "star" to help carry out an evil assassination plot?”
My money is on God.
God’s something of a bloodthirsty dick. All the deaths in Egypt were avoidable, but fed His glory.
The deaths from Herrod’s paranoia would fit right in, there.
Also, if God wasn’t behind this choreography, why didn’t he send the dream before they met Herrod? Stop Herrod’s panic AND stop the slaughter of the small boys.
"Thus the next time you see a 'star' on top of a Christmas tree, remember that it represents a wicked angel”
No, it doesn’t. Except in the mind of someone who’s particularly ignorant about any culture he hasn’t lived in, and not terribly familiar with the Bible.
"who was determined to have Jesus, the Son of God, killed.”
Then he might have easily put a bug in one soldier’s ear to tell them where Joseph and Mary had buggered off to.
“Hey! Centurion! What if we went down this road a little ways and checked that oasis for refugees?”
“Why?”
“Just a hunch.”