world

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

This verse takes on a whole new depth when you realise that the word "world" is not meant to be understood geographically, but rather defines who we are as a human race. A collection of peoples and nations who have turned our backs on God in rebellion, disregarding His rightful place in our lives. Yet God so loves rebellious and sinful us that he was willing to give His Son to die on a cross so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to Him rather than race eternity in Hell. The word "gave" is really the heart of Christmas, when Jesus came into the world to start the 30 year journey that led him to his death.