The candles are looking at you.

The Medrash Raba in Bahalosecha compares the movement of the planets to the eyes of Hashem glancing over the earth. 

The planets are hinted by the verse, "these 7 are the eyes of Hashem" and the "movement" of Hashem's eyes by the verse, "the eyes of Hashem are traversing throughout the land."

The seven lights of the menorah are these seven "eyes." Thus it states they shine "facing the countenance," meaning, the divine 'countenance.'