Adam Gottlieb
Published on Dec 24, 2017
“Chi Xmas” is a Christmas song for our times, meant to honor the holiday while wrestling openly with many deep ironies surrounding it in 2017. Written two years ago and now professionally recorded with full instrumentation and brought to life through this beautiful video by Lexley Adesanya, it serves as an offering to both the tradition of modern Christmas music and the tradition of modern “anti-Christmas” music. While nativity scenes and traditional carols recount the story of a poor couple seeking refuge, the humble birth of a savior, and the beginning of “peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” today’s homeless refugees wander the streets of our cities in search of protection from the elements; police continue to terrorize Black, brown, and working class people across the country; and governments around the world prepare for more endless war. “Chi Xmas” challenges listeners who cherish the story and spirit of Christmas to reflect honestly on its meaning today.
Special thanks and deep bows to Sarah-Ji Rhee, whose unparalleled works of photo-journalism of the movement in Chicago carry a unique beauty and poetry; to the People’s Tribune, for documenting the spirit of the revolution around the country; and to all of the peace makers, prophets, and warriors featured and not featured in this video. Truly, you all shall be called the children of God.
Merry Christmas,
Adam G