My first exposure to Advent was when I was 18 since the university I attended was affiliated with the Methodist church. I think it was because of the music that I tend to remember that as one of my fonder religious observances.

We do (Catholic), and there was one candle burning today. I don't know much about them.

Did anyone have these? They were a cardboard box (like a cereal box but not nearly as deep) with a Christmas scene, and a little punch-out cardboard door for each day of Advent. Behind each door was a treat (e.g. very small piece of chocolate) although I think they had all kinds, one with a Lego brick behind each door. And then a bigger door for Christmas eve with a bigger treat. I think they were more popular in Europe than America.

It was an exciting time when they came out, and it *seemed* like an incredible amount of chocolate (probably a few ounces total ). As if we didn't need more help getting us psyched up for Christmas!

I first heard Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending at Saint Luke's in San Antonio, and they did it magnificently.