Whereas the momentary act of lighting realizes our excitement to publicize the miracles[1] that our people have come to expect and the attendant gratitude for them, the singing of Ma'oz Tzur guides the subsequent reflection on those lights. Indeed, the 17th century world-renowned Rov of Worms and Mainz, known as the "Chavos Yair" writes[2] that those moments of contemplation are an essential part of the mitzvah[3]. He understands that the Chashmonaim celebrated their miracles with lights beyond the actual Beis Hamikdosh, demonstrating great joy, as is to be expected. The lighting of our menorahs should connect us to those lights and be accompanied with simcha as well.
For over seven centuries the Ma'oz Tzur has guided the joy and the deliberation with which Jews light the menorah. Interestingly, we sing about the Egyptian and Babylonian exiles as well as our redemption from Egypt and rescue from the decree of Haman before we dedicate a paragraph to the miracles of the victory of the Chashmonaim.
It would seem that the author was guided by the Rambam's mandate "The mitzvah of kindling Chanukah lamps is very dear. A person should be very careful in its observance to publicize the miracle and thus increase our praise of God and our expression of thanks for the miracles which He wrought on our behalf."[4] Based on this text and the language of the second beracha ("in these times") it has been suggested[5] that we reflect on the miracles of our times and our lives and include them in the uplift that these days generate for us.
Yet this Chanuka our hearts find expression as well in the prayer of the last paragraph of the Ma'oz Tzur, a text some four centuries junior the balance of the song. Painfully, this year there will be lights - too many to count - that will evoke a happiness that is elusive and out of reach, and many painful moments that bring to life memories of families that were once complete and whose joy seemed so deep and promising. Scores of families will have the menorah and fresh yohrzeit flames side by side. With them very much in mind, we conclude our deliberation turning to the Almighty praying, "Bare Your holy arm / and hasten the end for salvation / Avenge the vengeance of Your servants' blood / from the wicked nation / For the rescue and respite is so long in coming."
This too is part of everyone's Ma'oz Tzur. We pray that Hashem reveals Himself as the "Ma'oz Tzur" who brings comfort, strength, rescue and reprieve to all His children, so long in coming, speedily and mightily.
[1] Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 675
[2] See Mekor Chayim, quoted in Teshuvos Vehanhogos, Chanuka, 37 note 39
[3] See Piskei Teshuvos 676:5
[4] Hilchos Chanuka 4:12
[5] Teshuvos Vehanhogos, Chanuka, Avodas Chanuka 8